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Waverley
Pronounced WAY-vər-lee /ˈweɪ.vər.li/High
Meaning: -ley spelling of Waverly — from Old English, 'the meadow/clearing of the quaking aspens' (waefre, 'quaking', plus leah)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Waverley is a -ley spelling of Waverly — from Old English, 'the meadow or clearing of the quaking aspens' (waefre, 'wavering, quaking, restless', plus leah, 'meadow, clearing'). The title of Sir Walter Scott's celebrated Waverley novels (and a London station). A soft, lyrical surname-name, popular for girls; the -ley styling personalizes it (nicknames Wave, Avery).
It registers thinly beside Waverly. Rare, the-meadow-of-aspens at the root, and lyrical.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Waverley mean?
Waverley spells Waverly — Old English 'the meadow of the quaking aspens'.
How do you pronounce Waverley?
It's said WAY-vər-lee /ˈweɪ.vər.li/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Waverley a boy or girl name?
Waverley is a girl's name.
How popular is Waverley?
Waverley is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Waverly is more common.