Worley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known as some other names, but it has an intriguing story nonetheless.
The surname Worley is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "worsele," which referred to someone who lived near a round structure like a tower or castle. Over time, this surname became associated with specific locations and families in England. The given name Worley is likely derived from this surname and has been used as a first name since at least the 17th century.
There is no universally accepted meaning for the given name Worley. However, some sources suggest that it could be interpreted as "keeper of the tower" or "dweller near the round structure," reflecting its origins in Middle English geography and architecture.
Worley has not been particularly popular as a given name throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never cracked the top 1000 most popular boys' names since records began in 1879. This rarity makes Worley an appealing choice for parents looking for an uncommon but meaningful name for their child.
In literature and culture, there are a few notable figures with the surname Worley. These include American blues singer Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter, whose given name was actually Huddie William Ledbetter, but he was often referred to as Huddie Worley; and English poet and playwright John Ford (1586-1639), who sometimes used the pseudonym John Worley.
In conclusion, Worley is a rare and distinctive given name with an interesting history rooted in Middle English geography. Although its meaning may vary depending on interpretation, it offers parents an uncommon yet meaningful option for their child's name.
The name Worley has a rich history in the United States, with its first recorded appearance in the birth records of the late 19th century. From 1882 onwards, there were periods of fluctuation in the number of births with this name.
Between 1882 and 1920, there were relatively few births named Worley each year, ranging from just 5 to a peak of 32 in 1920. However, starting from 1921, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of this name, with annual birth counts varying between 10 and 24.
The most notable trend is the continuous rise in births named Worley during the 1920s and early 1930s, reaching its peak at 24 births in both 1928 and 1934. This period marked a significant moment for this name's popularity.
After the mid-1930s, there was a decline in the number of births with the name Worley. The annual count fluctuated between single digits, ranging from 5 to 14 births per year, until the late 1960s when it dropped below 10 consistently.
Overall, throughout the entire period from 1882 to 1971, there were a total of 730 births named Worley in the United States. This name has experienced periods of popularity and decline over time but remains an enduring choice for parents across generations.