Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Weslie

Weslie

♀ Girl

Pronounced WEZ-lee /ˈwΙ›z.li/High

Meaning: western meadow or clearingMedium

In 30 seconds: Weslie is a feminine spelling variant of Wesley, an Old English surname meaning western meadow. It carries the spirit of the open West with a fresh, modern feel for girls.
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Origin HighOld English
Meaningwestern meadow or clearing
U.S. rank (2024)#2261 β†— Rising
2024 U.S. births83 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 550

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 202419432024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Weslie is a variant spelling of Wesley, from the Old English place name meaning western woodland clearing or western meadow (west + leah). It was the surname of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement.

Wesley has been used as a given name since the 18th century in honor of John Wesley. The spelling Weslie represents a feminization trend of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, making a traditionally male surname name feel more distinctly feminine.

Did you know? John Wesley (1703–1791), the founder of Methodism, bore this surname-turned-given-name and has made Wesley a name with deep Protestant spiritual heritage, now being reclaimed by girls through spellings like Weslie.
Overall data confidence 78%
Hanks & Hodges, Dictionary of First Names β€” reference for WeslieBehind the Name: Wesley β€” name etymology referenceOxford Dictionary of Surnames β€” reference for Weslie

Variations

WesleyWesleeWestley

Nicknames

WesLes

Famous Bearers

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If you like Weslie…

Lesleyβ€” similar -sley surname name used for girls
Paisleyβ€” popular -sley surname name for girls
Kinsleyβ€” trending -sley name for girls
Hensleyβ€” similar surname-to-first-name -sley pattern
Ainsleyβ€” classic -sley name used for girls

Frequently Asked

What does Weslie mean?

Weslie means western meadow or clearing, from the Old English place name west plus leah.

How do you pronounce Weslie?

Weslie is pronounced WEZ-lee (/ˈwΙ›z.li/), with two syllables.

Is Weslie a girl's name?

Weslie is a feminine variant spelling of Wesley, used as a girl's name in modern American naming.

How popular is the name Weslie?

Weslie is an uncommon spelling that is part of the broader trend of -sley surname names for girls.