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Home › Baby Names Directory › Wellesley

Wellesley

♂ Boy

Pronounced WELZ-lee /ˈwɛlz.li/Medium

Meaning: From an English surname and place name meaning 'clearing (leah) by a spring or well'; borne as a family name by Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. A dignified surname-name.Low

In 30 seconds: A dignified surname-name: Wellesley means 'clearing by a spring' (said 'WELZ-lee'). Crisp and English.
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Origin MediumEnglish
MeaningFrom an English surname and place name meaning 'clearing (leah) by a spring or well'; borne as a family name by Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. A dignified surname-name.
U.S. rank (2020)#9504 ↗ Rising
2020 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 19

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202019232020

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

Wellesley began as an English place and surname, 'clearing (leah) by a spring or well.' It is best known as the family name of the Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley. As a first name it is rare and dignified (said 'WELZ-lee').

It appears only rarely as a given name in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and dignified.

Did you know? Wellesley is an English surname and place name, 'clearing by a spring or well' — the family name of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington (said 'WELZ-lee').
Overall data confidence 48%
References — Wellesley — English surname/place; 'clearing by a spring'; Duke of Wellington

Variations

WesleyWellsleyWelsley

Nicknames

WellsLes

Famous Bearers

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If you like Wellesley…

Wesley— a close surname-name cousin
Weston— a like English surname pick
Kingsley— a like dignified surname name
Ellery— a like refined surname choice

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By themeenglishplace-namesurnamedignified

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Wellesley mean?

Wellesley is an English surname and place name, 'clearing by a spring or well'; it is the family name of the Duke of Wellington.

How do you pronounce Wellesley?

It's said WELZ-lee /ˈwɛlz.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Wellesley a boy or girl name?

Here Wellesley is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Wellesley?

Wellesley is an extremely rare given name in the U.S.

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