Wiley is a name of American origin, derived from the English surname Wiley, which is believed to have originated as a nickname given to someone with a sharp wit or clever intelligence. The name Wiley is thought to have been brought over to America by early settlers from England and has since become quite popular in the United States.
The meaning behind the name Wiley is "clever" or "sharp-witted." It is also associated with the idea of being resourceful or cunning, which can be linked back to its origins as a nickname for someone who was clever or crafty. Despite its origins, Wiley is not widely recognized as having any specific historical significance or famous figures attached to it.
While Wiley may have started out as a surname and nickname, it has since become popular as a given name in its own right. In the United States, Wiley has been used more frequently for boys than girls, although it can be used for either gender. Some notable individuals with the name Wiley include American musician Tom Wiley and Canadian politician Wiley Blais.
In conclusion, Wiley is an American name of English origin that means "clever" or "sharp-witted." Its origins trace back to its use as a nickname for someone who was clever or crafty, but it has since become popular in its own right. Despite its origins, Wiley does not have any widely recognized historical significance or famous figures attached to it.
The name Wiley has a unique history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 18,052 births registered with the first name Wiley.
Interestingly, the peak years for this name occurred during World War I, when there were more than 250 births each year from 1917 to 1919. This trend continued into the early 1920s, with over 300 babies named Wiley born annually between 1920 and 1924.
However, after reaching a high of 304 births in 1921, popularity of the name Wiley began to decline steadily throughout the remainder of the century. By mid-century, fewer than 200 babies were being named Wiley each year, and this number continued to drop until it reached an all-time low of just 38 births in 1983.
Over the past few decades, however, there has been a resurgence in popularity for the name Wiley. After bottoming out at 45 births in 1994, the number of babies named Wiley began to rise again. This trend has continued into the twenty-first century, with over 200 babies being named Wiley annually since 2017.
In recent years, more than 150 babies have been named Wiley each year, including 196 births in 2021 and an estimated 185 births in 2022. While the name Wiley may not be as popular today as it was during its heyday nearly a century ago, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking to give their child a unique and memorable name.