Origin and Meaning of Westley

Western meadow or pasture

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'west', meaning 'west', and 'leah', meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'.

• Westley is often considered a surname that has transitioned into a given name, reflecting geographic and familial ties in England.
• The name has seen usage in various cultures, predominantly in English-speaking countries, though its popularity has been steadily increasing since the 1980s.
• A notable cultural reference is in William Goldman's novel 'The Princess Bride', where Westley is the name of the main character, which has added a romantic and adventurous connotation to the name.
• While Westley has not been as popular as some other names, it experienced a surge in use in the 1990s and continues to be an appealing choice for new parents.
• Variations of the name include Wesley, which has similar etymological roots but is more commonly used as a first name.