What does Woodley mean and where does it come from?
Woodley is of Old English origin, derived from 'wudu' (wood) and 'leah' (clearing). It is a surname that became popular as a given name in the 20th century. The name is associated with places named Woodley in England. Notable people with this name include Woodley L. Campbell, an American politician.
Cultural significance
Woodley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2945 in 1923 — currently #5052 in the US.
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Related Reading
United Kingdom-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Woodley?
Woodley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Woodley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Woodley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Woodley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Woodley Claire
French influence · crisp
Woodley Jane
Literary · strong
Woodley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Woodley right now?
Rising fast — up 795 spots — currently #5052 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5052 | 20 | ▲ up 795 · +25% births |
| 2022 | #5847 | 16 | ▲ up 2944 · +78% births |
| 2021 | #8791 | 9 | ▲ up 1986 · +50% births |
| 2015 | #10777 | 6 | ▼ down 1498 |
| 2000 | #9279 | 6 | ▼ down 4448 · -25% births |
| 1985 | #4831 | 8 | ▲ up 886 · +60% births |
| 1975 | #5717 | 5 | ▼ down 1284 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #4433 | 6 | ▲ up 356 · +20% births |
| 1920 | #4789 | 5 | — |
The story of Woodley
Woodley entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 211 total births recorded, Woodley remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4789 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5052 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Woodley in 1923:
Woodley by decade
Woodley peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 6 | |
| 1920s | 27 | |
| 1940s | 15 | |
| 1950s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 10 | |
| 1970s | 39 | |
| 1980s ★ | 50 | |
| 1990s | 10 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 35 | |
💎Woodley has only 211 total recorded births since 1918 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Woodley?
What names sound and feel like Woodley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Woodley also consider these
Common questions about the name Woodley
What does the name Woodley mean?
Woodley means "Old English" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Woodley?
Woodley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Woodley have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Woodley?
Woodley originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Woodley?
Woodley is a two-syllable name pronounced W UH1 D L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Woodley trending right now?
Woodley is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.