Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Wiley
BoyEnglish· “from an English surname”
- Meaning
- from an English surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- WY-lee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,226
- US babies 2025
- 165
- Best rank
- #150 (1882)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Wiley
Wiley is often said to mean “from an English surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
Wiley comes from an English surname, but its origin is uncertain. It may derive from a place name, possibly the River Wylye in Wiltshire, or from a nickname linked to the word wily, meaning 'crafty'. Surname use eventually led to first-name use, especially in the American South. Wiley has an easygoing, folksy charm and a slightly mischievous feel. It fits alongside names like Riley and Miles while remaining uncommon. Wylie and Wylee are alternative spellings, and Wile is an occasional nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Wylie.
Popularity over time
Wiley has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 94 different years. Its best national rank was #150 in 1882, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 304 were named Wiley. In 2025, 165 babies were named Wiley, and it ranked #1,226 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #370 in 1920, #465 in 1950, #1,144 in 1980, #1,943 in 2000, #1,557 in 2010, and #1,226 in 2025. Of the 18,400 US boys named Wiley since records began, 14% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 2,320 babies. Since 2010, 2,273 more have been named Wiley.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Weldon, Gus, Herschel, Vern, and Buford.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Wiley ranked highest in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | #521 | 7 |
| Oklahoma | #549 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #636 | 12 |
| North Carolina | #644 | 15 |
| Oregon | #702 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 90% of US babies named Wiley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Wiley is usually pronounced WY-lee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with W and ends in “-ey”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Wylie.
Middle names for Wiley
A few middle names that flow with Wiley: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Wiley
Similar names
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KINGZ-lee
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“rye clearing” · English
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Harley Unisex
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Jeffrey Boy
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Oakley Unisex
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“oak clearing” · English
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Stanley Boy
STAN-lee
“stony clearing” · Old English
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Lists that include Wiley
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Wiley mean?
Wiley is often said to mean “from an English surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
What is the origin of the name Wiley?
Wiley has English roots. Wiley comes from an English surname, but its origin is uncertain.
Is Wiley a popular name?
Not especially. Wiley ranked #1,226 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Wiley a boy or girl name?
Wiley is mainly a boy's name. About 90% of US babies named Wiley over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Wiley?
Wiley is usually pronounced WY-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