gender neutral
Wiley
wily, tricky
About Wiley
There's something undeniably clever about this name, which inherently suggests intelligence and quick thinking. Wiley has an adventurous quality that brings to mind explorers, inventors, and creative thinkers who approach problems with ingenuity rather than brute force. The name feels literary and somewhat sophisticated, yet it maintains a playful accessibility that prevents it from seeming pretentious. Its spelling variation from the more common word adds distinction while keeping the name recognizable. Wiley works beautifully for families who value education, curiosity, and intellectual pursuits, without broadcasting these values in an obvious or heavy-handed way. The name's rhythmic quality—two syllables with equal emphasis—creates a balanced sound that's pleasing to the ear. It ages remarkably well, fitting a mischievous young boy just as comfortably as a distinguished professional. The name suggests someone who thinks outside the box and finds creative solutions, traits many parents hope to encourage in their children.
Popularity of the Name Wiley
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | |
|---|---|
| 1880 | #170 |
| 1881 | #162 |
| 1882 | #150 |
| 1883 | #173 |
| 1884 | #178 |
| 1885 | #175 |
| 1886 | #247 |
| 1887 | #189 |
| 1888 | #220 |
| 1889 | #185 |
| 1890 | #215 |
| 1891 | #226 |
| 1892 | #212 |
| 1893 | #251 |
| 1894 | #214 |
| 1895 | #226 |
| 1896 | #232 |
| 1897 | #221 |
| 1898 | #248 |
| 1899 | #237 |
| 1900 | #265 |
| 1901 | #214 |
| 1902 | #247 |
| 1903 | #255 |
| 1904 | #241 |
| 1905 | #276 |
| 1906 | #303 |
| 1907 | #276 |
| 1908 | #252 |
| 1909 | #274 |
| 1910 | #288 |
| 1911 | #320 |
| 1912 | #368 |
| 1913 | #326 |
| 1914 | #400 |
| 1915 | #369 |
| 1916 | #424 |
| 1917 | #351 |
| 1918 | #386 |
| 1919 | #380 |
| 1920 | #370 |
| 1921 | #340 |
| 1922 | #354 |
| 1923 | #346 |
| 1924 | #393 |
| 1925 | #381 |
| 1926 | #365 |
| 1927 | #368 |
| 1928 | #354 |
| 1929 | #382 |
| 1930 | #396 |
| 1931 | #372 |
| 1932 | #364 |
| 1933 | #369 |
| 1934 | #366 |
| 1935 | #324 |
| 1936 | #341 |
| 1937 | #363 |
| 1938 | #366 |
| 1939 | #392 |
| 1940 | #392 |
| 1941 | #387 |
| 1942 | #426 |
| 1943 | #412 |
| 1944 | #391 |
| 1945 | #429 |
| 1946 | #472 |
| 1947 | #443 |
| 1948 | #417 |
| 1949 | #461 |
| 1950 | #464 |
| 1951 | #514 |
| 1952 | #505 |
| 1953 | #508 |
| 1954 | #575 |
| 1955 | #565 |
| 1956 | #565 |
| 1957 | #593 |
| 1958 | #673 |
| 1959 | #616 |
| 1960 | #670 |
| 1961 | #702 |
| 1962 | #728 |
| 1963 | #694 |
| 1964 | #712 |
| 1965 | #664 |
| 1966 | #705 |
| 1967 | #691 |
| 1968 | #770 |
| 1969 | #808 |
| 1970 | #831 |
| 1971 | #837 |
| 1972 | #910 |
| 1973 | #986 |
Top names by country: United States
Variations of Name Wiley
- Wylie
- Wilie
- Willey
Names Similar to Wiley
Nicknames for Wiley
- Will
- Wil
- Lee
- Ley
Famous People Named Wiley
| Wiley Post | American aviator and the first pilot to fly solo around the world |
| Wiley Wiggins | American actor and writer known for his roles in "Dazed and Confused" and "Waking Life" |
| Wiley Walker | American country singer and songwriter |
| Wiley Bardwell | American professional basketball player |
| Wiley Feagin | American former professional baseball player |
| Wiley Lee Umphlett | American football player |
| Wiley H. Bates | American educator and civil rights leader |
| Wiley Rutledge | American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States |
| Wiley Drake | American Baptist pastor and political activist |
| Wiley Buchanan | American politician and diplomat, served as the U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg |
| Wiley Geren | American lawyer and politician |
| Wiley W. Manuel | American judge and the first African American justice of the California Supreme Court |
| Wiley Devers | American army officer who served during World War II and the Korean War |
| Wiley Barker | American pilot and World War I flying ace |
| Wiley Hardeman Postell | American politician and lawyer |
| Wiley P. Mangum | American politician and member of the U.S. House of Representatives |
| Wiley Sims | American football player and coach |
| Wiley H. Bates, III | American naval officer and Medal of Honor recipient |
| Wiley Morris | American film producer |
| Wiley Reed | American politician and businessman |
Characters Named Wiley
| Wiley Coyote | Iconic animated character known for his pursuit of the Road Runner in Looney Tunes cartoons |
| Wiley Armitage | Character from the fantasy book series "The Chronicles of Prydain" by Lloyd Alexander |
| Wiley Hobbins | Character in the novel "The Giver" by Lois Lowry |
| Wiley Post | Character in the sci-fi book "Blue World" by Jack Vance |
| Wiley Burp | Character in the animated movie "Fievel Goes West" |
| Wiley Snare | Character in the book "Mossflower" by Brian Jacques |
| Wiley Barkdull | Character in the movie "Crossfire Trail" portrayed by Mark Harmon |
| Wiley Cantrell | Character in the book "The Return" by Jaye Valentine |
| Wiley Pruitt | Character in the movie "The Homecoming - A Christmas Story" portrayed by Edgar Bergen |
| Wiley Mousie | Character in the book "Thunderhead" by Mary O'Hara |
| Wiley Brown | Character in the film "Friday Night Lights" portrayed by Lee Jackson |
| Wiley O'Mara | Character in the book "Murder in the Blue Room" by Elliott Roosevelt |
| Wiley Quixote | Character in the book "Crooked Little Vein" by Warren Ellis |
| Wiley Vanderlinden | Character in the book "If the Witness Lied" by Caroline B. Cooney |
| Wiley Ferrell | Character in the movie "Old Yeller" portrayed by Kevin Corcoran |