What does Waverly mean and where does it come from?
Waverly is an English name with literary connections, having been popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Waverley'. The name suggests natural beauty and tranquility, evoking imagery of pastoral landscapes. It's become increasingly popular in modern times, particularly in North America, due to its
Cultural significance
Waverly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of meadow by a river.
Peak popularity
Reached #738 in 2020 — currently #1028 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Waverly?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Waverly?
Waverly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Waverly Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Waverly John
One syllable · timeless choice
Waverly Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Waverly Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Waverly Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Waverly Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Waverly right now?
Falling — down 122 spots — currently #1028 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1028 | 244 | ▼ down 122 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #906 | 293 | ▼ down 24 · -4% births |
| 2023 | #882 | 305 | ▼ down 129 · -21% births |
| 2022 | #753 | 384 | ▼ down 5 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #748 | 381 | ▼ down 10 · +4% births |
| 2020 | #738 | 368 | ▲ up 987 · +204% births |
| 2015 | #1725 | 121 | ▲ up 1287 · +116% births |
| 2010 | #3012 | 56 | ▲ up 800 · +47% births |
| 2005 | #3812 | 38 | ▲ up 486 · +36% births |
| 2000 | #4298 | 28 | ▼ down 1839 · -46% births |
| 1995 | #2459 | 52 | ▲ up 8986 · +767% births |
| 1990 | #11445 | 6 | ▼ down 4239 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #7206 | 7 | ▲ up 856 · +40% births |
| 1970 | #8062 | 5 | ▼ down 2846 · -29% births |
| 1960 | #5216 | 7 | — |
The story of Waverly
Waverly entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 4,919 total births recorded, Waverly remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5018 in 1920 to #882 in 2023. Waverly is used for both genders: 60% female and 40% male.
Names that peaked alongside Waverly in 2020:
Waverly by decade
Waverly peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 29 | |
| 1890s | 47 | |
| 1900s | 53 | |
| 1910s | 186 | |
| 1920s | 330 | |
| 1930s | 273 | |
| 1940s | 316 | |
| 1950s | 373 | |
| 1960s | 251 | |
| 1970s | 164 | |
| 1980s | 112 | |
| 1990s | 309 | |
| 2000s | 414 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,694 | |
| 2020s | 910 | |
💎With 4,919 total births, Waverly is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Waverly?
What names sound and feel like Waverly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Waverly also consider these
Common questions about the name Waverly
What does the name Waverly mean?
Waverly means "meadow by a river" — 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 Waverly?
Waverly is currently ranked #882 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Waverly?
Waverly 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.
How do you pronounce the name Waverly?
Waverly is a three-syllable name pronounced WAY-ver-lee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Waverly?
Waverly 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.