What does Worley mean and where does it come from?
Worley is a surname of English origin, likely derived from a place name referring to meadows near water bodies, as 'weir' refers to a dam or barrier in a river. The name has gained some popularity as a first name, mostly in the United States. Its first recorded use as a given name is not well-docume
Cultural significance
Worley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the weir meadow.
Peak popularity
Reached #640 in 1885 — currently #1445 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Worley?
Worley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Worley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Worley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Worley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Worley Claire
French influence · crisp
Worley Jane
Literary · strong
Worley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Worley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1445 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1445 | 755 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1450 | 735 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1455 | 705 | ▲ up 3330 · +14000% births |
| 1970 | #4785 | 5 | ▼ down 801 |
| 1965 | #3984 | 5 | ▼ down 1514 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #2470 | 10 | ▼ down 518 · -23% births |
| 1945 | #1952 | 13 | ▲ up 263 · +18% births |
| 1940 | #2215 | 11 | ▼ down 358 · -27% births |
| 1935 | #1857 | 15 | ▲ up 624 · +36% births |
| 1930 | #2481 | 11 | ▼ down 519 · -35% births |
| 1925 | #1962 | 17 | ▼ down 681 · -47% births |
| 1920 | #1281 | 32 | ▲ up 629 · +113% births |
| 1915 | #1910 | 15 | ▼ down 875 · +150% births |
| 1895 | #1035 | 6 | ▼ down 395 · -40% births |
| 1885 | #640 | 10 | — |
The story of Worley
Worley has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 729 total births recorded, Worley remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #640 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1445 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Worley in 1885:
Worley by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 15 | |
| 1890s | 21 | |
| 1900s | 10 | |
| 1910s | 111 | |
| 1920s ★ | 181 | |
| 1930s | 159 | |
| 1940s | 111 | |
| 1950s | 71 | |
| 1960s | 40 | |
| 1970s | 10 | |
💎Worley has only 729 total recorded births since 1882 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Worley?
What names sound and feel like Worley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Worley also consider these
Common questions about the name Worley
What does the name Worley mean?
Worley means "from the weir meadow" — a name rooted in American 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 Worley?
Worley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Worley?
Worley originates from American tradition. American 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 Worley?
Worley is a two-syllable name pronounced W ER1 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Worley a common or rare name?
Worley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.