How Popular (or Rare) was Wesley in 1996?

🇬🇧 England & Wales • Boy

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#178
1996 Rank
185
1996 Births
#178
Best Rank (1996)
185
Peak Year (1996)
2,585
Total Births (1996-2025)
1 in 1,722
Rarity Factor (1996)
Popularity Position
Top 5%
Among UK boys' names in 1996
Moderately Popular · 1 in 1,722 births

📊 The Wesley Story

Wesley is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #178 in 1996 with 185 recorded births. This places Wesley in the top 5% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Moderately Popular. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 185 births ranking #178. In 1996, approximately 1 in every 1,722 boys born was named Wesley. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.

Popularity Trend (1996–2025)

📅 Data Status: Official verified statistics are currently available from 1996 up to 2025. This report reflects the most recent confirmed data from England & Wales; 2026 and 2027 projections are based on real-time search trends and will be finalized upon the next official release.

Name Meaning & Origin

Origin: English surname and place-name use  |  Meaning: western meadow

Wesley is a polished classic meaning western meadow. It feels warm, familiar, and gently refined.

The name has long been established in English-speaking countries and also carries strong Methodist and religious associations through John Wesley. Its long use gives it both heritage and ease.

Did you know?Wesley is one of the names where religious history significantly helped a place-name surname become a first-name staple.
Similar namesWeston, Walter, Warren, Spencer, Stanley

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