Whitley is a sophisticated traditional baby name. Originally used for both genders, the name has undergone a revival as one of the top baby names for girls. Whitley Johnson is a central character in A Midsummer's Nightmare, and Whitley Marion Gilbert is the name of the dazzling debutante on the television show A Different World. Keep reading to learn more about this baby name.
Meaning of the name Whitley:
English: White meadow
Origin of the name Whitley:
Whitley originated as a place name and a surname. It derived from the Old English words hwit (meaning “white”) and leah (meaning “meadow,” “clearing,” or “grove”).
Symbolism of the name Whitley:
Whitley derives from an Old English place name that meant “white meadow” or “white grove.” It is a place name and surname found throughout the United Kingdom. Whitley referred to rural hamlets that eventually became villages, suburbs, and civil parishes. The symbol for Whitley is the wildflower.
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Style of the name Whitley:
Traditional
Gender of the name Whitley:
Whitley is a name for both boys and girls.
Pronunciation of the name Whitley:
WIT-lee
Number of syllables in the name Whitley:
Two
Emotion evoked from the name Whitley:
The name Whitley evokes feelings of warmth and high worth.
Alternative spellings for the name Whitley:
- Whittley
- Witley
- Whiteley
- Whitleigh
- Whitlee
Nicknames for the name Whitley:
- Whit
- Witty
- Lee
Popularity of the name Whitley:
According to the Social Security Administration index, Whitley was the 942nd most popular baby name for girls in 2020. Whitley was the 943rd most popular baby name for girls in 2019 and the 997th most popular baby girl name in 2018.
Related names for the name Whitley:
- Whitney
- Wendy
- Waverly
- Wilhelmina
- Wynter
- Wynette
- Wynona
- Winnifred
- Winnie
- Wheatley
Great middle names for Whitley and their meanings:
- Ashton (ash tree town)
- Bardot (stone)
- Carmen (garden, song, truth)
- Dawn (daybreak, advent, new beginning)
- Estelle (star)
- Imani (faith)
- Jewel (precious stone)
- Lark (songbird)
- Violet (purple flower)
- Xanthe (golden)
Famous people with the name Whitley:
- Whitley Paige Cargill (actress)
- Whitley Hale (television personality)
- Whitley David Merrifield (baseball player)
- Whitley Strieber (novelist)
- Whitley Stokes (scholar)
Whitley in popular culture:
- Whitley Marion Gilbert (main character in the television sitcom A Different World)
- Whitley Johnson (character in A Midsummer's Nightmare by Garry Kilworth)