Wesley

Meaning

A person from the western meadow or clearing.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'west' (west) combined with 'leah' (meadow, clearing, woodland). The name originally indicated a place in the west with pastoral characteristics.

About the Wesley Surname

Originally a place name that became a surname and later a given name, Wesley has strong associations with Methodist Christianity through John Wesley. The name reflects the English practice of creating surnames from topographical features.

Distribution

Common in England and throughout English-speaking countries, with particular prevalence in the United States.

Notable Bearers

John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Denzel Washington (middle name), Wesley Snipes

People with the Wesley Surname