Wiley
How to say it: WY-lee · /ˈwaɪli/
English surname meaning 'willow wood' or 'meadow by the river'; used as a given name with a frontier, outdoorsy feel.
Wiley was the 709th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 165 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are up about 60% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #587 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #709 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 165 |
| Share of births | 1 in 9,751 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | +60% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #587 |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long ago at its height in the 1880s, Wiley has settled far below that peak while staying in steady use. A small lift seems ahead.
What goes with it
Mellow and soft with a rolling lilt, Wiley feels easygoing. Boone makes a fitting companion.
Nicknames
- Wile
- Lee
Honouring a Wiley in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Wiley is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in English.
Famous people named Wiley
- Wiley Post (1898–1935)American aviator; first pilot to fly solo around the world
- Wiley Wiggins (born 1976)American actor
- Wiley Maple (born 1990)American alpine skier
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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