Wylie is a unique and uncommon given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Wylie," which itself is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Gille Bhriuch." This Gaelic name consists of two elements: "mac," meaning "son of," and "Gille Bhriuch," a personal name that is likely composed of the elements "gille," meaning "servant" or "devotee," and "Bhriuch," which may be derived from the Irish name "Briac," meaning "speckled" or "freckled." Thus, Wylie could be interpreted as "son of the servant of Briac."
While Wylie is not particularly common as a given name, it has been used in Scotland for centuries, with its earliest recorded uses dating back to the 13th century. It was primarily used as a surname until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it began to be used more frequently as a given name.
In literature, Wylie is perhaps best known as the middle name of Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson's son, Lloyd Osbourne Wylie Stevenson (1883-1960). This association may have contributed to its usage as a given name in English-speaking countries during the early 20th century.
Today, Wylie remains an uncommon but distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child. Its Scottish origins and historical roots give it a sense of tradition and heritage, while its unusual spelling and pronunciation make it stand out among more common names. Overall, Wylie is a name with a rich history and intriguing meaning that continues to captivate those who appreciate uncommon and meaningful names.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Wylie:
The name Wylie first appeared in the United States in 1880 with a total of 12 births that year. It continued to be popular throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with fluctuations in popularity each year.
In the decade between 1905 and 1915, the number of babies named Wylie increased significantly, from 6 births in 1906 to a peak of 53 births in 1915. This trend continued into the 1920s, with a total of 71 births in 1924.
However, after the 1920s, the popularity of the name Wylie began to decline. There were fewer than 60 births each year between 1930 and 1950, with some years as low as single digits.
The name Wylie saw a brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1960s and early 1970s, with around 20-40 births per year. However, it has remained relatively rare since then, with fewer than 30 births each year between 1980 and 2023.
Overall, there have been a total of 5732 babies named Wylie in the United States from 1880 to 2023. While it may not be as popular as some other names, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout American history.