- published: 27 Feb 2016
- views: 8174
Wesley is a name with an Anglo-Norman etymology. The "wes" portion of the name refers to the Western cardinal direction, while the word "lea" refers to a field, pasture, or other clearing in a forest. Thus, the name's origin refers to a "western lea," or a field to the west. The name was predominantly used as a surname until John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, inspired some parents to name their sons after him while also retaining the parents' own surname.