Wiley

An uncommon Old English pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld EnglishRising Also a pet name
#1159 23in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname.

Wiley is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from the surname derived from a place name meaning 'tricky clearing' or 'willow wood clearing,' from wilig (willow) and leah (clearing).

Wiley has the relaxed, good-natured energy of names like Riley, Finley, and Bailey. It's been used in American naming since the 19th century and carries a friendly, slightly mischievous character — think the cartoon Wile E. Coyote's perpetually scheming spirit, but with more charm. It's approachable, warm, and effortlessly American.

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Popularity Over Time

Wiley climbed 557 spots in the last 20 years — from #1716 to #1159.

07615222830418801900192019401960198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Wiley
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s908
2010s1,199
2000s795
1990s534
1980s528
1970s700
1960s1,147
1950s1,735
1940s2,179
1930s2,320
1920s2,621
1910s1,676
1900s590
1890s576
1880s726

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 18802024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Wiley
YearBirthsRank
2024180#1159
2023186#1136
2022179#1155
2021197#1080
2020166#1165
2019157#1217
2018121#1450
2017122#1428
2016126#1396
2015135#1316
2014120#1411
2013117#1425
2012111#1465
201187#1717
2010103#1557
200999#1617
200898#1611
200777#1874
2006101#1510
200587#1594

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Wiley as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Wiley has also been given to 371 girls in the U.S. since 1921.

#5581
Current rank
371
Total births
2023
Peak year
Compare Wiley as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Wiley be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Wiley is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1159. As a girl's name, it ranks #5581.

Wiley has two lives

Wiley, the baby name
#1159boys
18,234 babies
Currently viewing
Wiley, the pet name
#871pet name
136 pets
View pet page →

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (18802024) · Methodology