Woodley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known or documented as those of more common names.
The surname Woodley, from which the given name likely originated, has an interesting etymology. It is believed to have been derived from Old English words 'wudu' meaning wood, and 'leah' meaning clearing. Therefore, Woodley could be interpreted as a reference to a clearing in the woods or a forest glade.
The first recorded instance of the surname Woodley was in the late 13th century, but it is not clear when or how the name began to be used as a given name. It may have been popularized by authors like C.S. Lewis, who featured a character named Woodley in his novel "Till We Have Faces."
Despite its English origins and early appearance in history, Woodley has never been a particularly common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 5 boys named Woodley born in 2019, and it is not recorded at all for girls.
In popular culture, Woodley is most famously associated with actress Shailene Woodley, who rose to prominence in films such as "The Descendants" and "Divergent." However, there are no other notable figures with this name, further contributing to its rarity and uniqueness.
In conclusion, Woodley is a rare and distinctive given name of English origin, likely derived from the surname Woodley. Its meaning refers to a clearing in the woods or forest glade, and its history is not well-documented due to its rarity. While it may not be a common choice for parents, those who do choose this name for their child are likely drawn to its unique sound and intriguing origins.
Based on the statistics provided, the Woodley name has seen a varied level of popularity over time in the United States. Between 1918 and 2023, there have been a total of 256 babies named Woodley.
The name's popularity peaked recently, with 20 births recorded in 2023. This is the highest number on record since data collection began. The year before, in 2022, there were also a significant number of births, with 16 children named Woodley born that year.
However, the name's popularity has not always been high. In fact, between 1943 and 2012 (excluding 1987), there was only one year where more than five babies were named Woodley. This period saw relatively consistent low figures, with five births each in 1951, 1963, 1968, 1975, 1981, and every year from 1943 to 1947.
Interestingly, the name started gaining popularity again in recent years. After remaining consistently low from the late 20th century until around 2012, there has been a notable increase since then, with six births recorded in both 2015 and 2017, eight births in 2019, and now reaching its peak with 20 births in 2023.
This data suggests that while the Woodley name may not have been particularly popular historically, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues into the future.