Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Westley
BoyEnglish, Old English· “west meadow”
- Meaning
- west meadow
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- WEHST-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #619
- US babies 2025
- 453
- Best rank
- #562 (1988)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Westley
Westley is an English and Old English name that means “west meadow”.
Westley is an English surname and place name meaning "west meadow," from the Old English west and leah, "clearing" or "meadow." It is closely related to Wesley, the name made famous by John Wesley, a founder of Methodism. The spelling Westley is familiar from The Princess Bride, William Goldman's novel and the later film, in which the farm boy Westley becomes a swashbuckling hero. It has a charming, romantic sound and a classic feel. West and Wes are easy nicknames.
Popularity over time
Westley first appears in US Social Security records in 1887. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1892. Its best national rank was #562 in 1988, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 453 were named Westley. In 2025, 453 babies were named Westley, and it ranked #619 nationally. That is 126% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,691 in 1920, #1,433 in 1950, #988 in 1980, #1,740 in 2000, #1,515 in 2010, and #619 in 2025. Of the 10,119 US boys named Westley since records began, 23% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,007 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yahya, Hassan, Crue, Jakari, and Kyro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Westley ranked highest in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #200 | 5 |
| Montana | #225 | 6 |
| Idaho | #280 | 10 |
| South Dakota | #301 | 5 |
| Kansas | #322 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Westley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Westley is usually pronounced WEHST-lee, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with W and ends in “-ey”.
Middle names for Westley
A few middle names that flow with Westley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Westley
Similar names
Harley Unisex
HAR-lee
“hare meadow” · Old English
#418
Oakley Unisex
OHK-lee
“oak clearing” · English
#156
Riley Unisex
RY-lee
“rye clearing” · English
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Bradley Boy
BRAD-lee
“broad clearing” · English
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Kingsley Unisex
KINGZ-lee
“king's wood” · Old English
#1,096
Stanley Boy
STAN-lee
“stony clearing” · Old English
#863
Bentley Boy
BEHNT-lee
“clearing with bent grass” · Old English
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Brantley Boy
BRANT-lee
“from an English surname” · English
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Landon Boy
LAN-duhn
“long hill” · English
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Hunter Boy
HUHN-tur
“hunter” · English
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Peyton Unisex
PAY-tuhn
“Pacca's town” · English
#199
Colton Boy
KOHL-tuhn
“from an English place name” · English
#103
Lists that include Westley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Westley mean?
Westley is an English and Old English name that means “west meadow”.
What is the origin of the name Westley?
Westley has English and Old English roots. Westley is an English surname and place name meaning "west meadow," from the Old English west and leah, "clearing" or "meadow." It is closely related to Wesley, the name made famous by John Wesley, a founder of Methodism.
Is Westley a popular name?
Yes. Westley ranked #619 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Westley a boy or girl name?
Westley is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Westley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Westley?
Westley is usually pronounced WEHST-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings