WESLEY
Wesley
The surname Wesley is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Wæsleah" meaning "western meadow". The name first appeared as a surname in the early 13th century in England.
Notable Individuals
John Wesley (1703-1791)
John Wesley was an English cleric and theologian who, along with his brother Charles Wesley, was a co-founder of the Methodist movement. He is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the development of Methodism, a movement that had a significant impact on Christianity in England and beyond.
Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Charles Wesley, the younger brother of John Wesley, was an English hymn writer and clergyman. He is best known for the thousands of hymns he wrote, many of which are still sung today in churches around the world. His hymns, such as "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today," have become beloved classics.
Distribution
The surname Wesley is primarily found in England, particularly in regions with historical connections to the Methodist movement. It is also present in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, due to historical migration patterns.
Variants
Variants of the surname Wesley include Westley, Wessley, and Weslie.
References
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Hardcastle, K., & Hodges, F. (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 2,808 people named Wesley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,180th most common surname in Britain. Around 43 in a million people in Britain are named Wesley.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Carole
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rachel
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan