What Does the Name Wesley Mean?
Wesley is a boy's name of English origin meaning “western meadow.”
Updated June 2026
| Name | Wesley |
|---|---|
| Gender | male |
| Origin | English |
| Meaning | western meadow |
| Variants | Westley, Wes, Wesly |
| Popularity | A long-established English name that remains within the US top 100 for boys. |
The meaning and origin of Wesley
The name Wesley means “western meadow” and has English origins. Wesley is an English surname-turned-given name from a place name meaning 'western meadow' (Old English west plus leah). It became popular in honor of John Wesley, the 18th-century founder of Methodism.
Variants and related names
Wesley is related to several other names you may recognize: Westley, Wes, Wesly. These share a common root or are spelling and language variants of the same name.
How popular is the name Wesley?
A long-established English name that remains within the US top 100 for boys.
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Open the name generator →Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wesley mean?+
The name Wesley means “western meadow” and is of English origin.
What is the origin of the name Wesley?+
Wesley originates from English.
Is Wesley a popular name?+
Yes — see the popularity note above for how Wesley has trended in the US over time.
Wesley by gender
More boy's names
Sources
- Behind the Name — Etymology and history of first names — Behind the Name
- US Social Security Administration — Popular baby names by year — Social Security Administration
- A Dictionary of First Names — Oxford Reference — Oxford University Press