Origin & Meaning of the Wesley Surname
What does the last name Wesley mean?
The surname Wesley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 23,135 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wesley ranks as the #1,555 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wesley come from?
The Wesley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Wesley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wesley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Wesley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,555 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,135 |
| Per 100K People | 7.84 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wesley
According to the US Census, the Wesley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,135 Americans with the Wesley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 41.86% |
| Black | 48.95% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.92% |
| Native American | 2.76% |
| Two or More Races | 3.05% |
Popularity of Wesley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wesley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wesley surname increased by 1,401 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Wesley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wesley
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