What does Waverley mean and where does it come from?
Waverley is an English name derived from a place name in Surrey, England. The meaning refers to a 'meadow by the wavy stream' or 'muddy stream'. The name gained popularity particularly after Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Waverley' published in 1814. Waverley is often recognized as a contemporary name an
Cultural significance
Waverley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #5845 in 2020 — currently #1681 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Waverley?
Waverley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Waverley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Waverley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Waverley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Waverley Claire
French influence · crisp
Waverley Jane
Literary · strong
Waverley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Waverley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1681 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1681 | 519 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1686 | 499 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1691 | 469 | ▲ up 4154 · +2245% births |
| 2020 | #5845 | 20 | ▲ up 2199 · +43% births |
| 2015 | #8044 | 14 | ▲ up 5599 · +180% births |
| 1995 | #13643 | 5 | — |
The story of Waverley
Waverley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1995. With 134 total births recorded, Waverley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13643 in 1995 to #1681 in 2023. Waverley is used for both genders: 92% female and 8% male.
Names that peaked alongside Waverley in 2020:
Waverley by decade
Waverley peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 11 | |
| 2010s ★ | 87 | |
| 2020s | 20 | |
💎Waverley has only 134 total recorded births since 1995 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Waverley?
What names sound and feel like Waverley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Waverley also consider these
Common questions about the name Waverley
What does the name Waverley mean?
Waverley means "English" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Waverley?
Waverley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Waverley?
Waverley originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Waverley?
Waverley pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Waverley a common or rare name?
Waverley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.