Chesley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name Cæscyl, which was composed of two elements: 'caeg' meaning "to excel" or "to surpass," and 'hlyf' meaning "shield." Therefore, Chesley can be interpreted to mean "excellence in battle" or "one who excels with a shield."
The name Chesley is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was initially found primarily among families with Norman origins and was often spelled as Chesilli, Cheshille, or Chesil. Over time, the spelling evolved into Chesley, which became more commonly used.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Chesley. One of the most famous is Chesley Sullenberger III, a retired American airline pilot who became known as "the Sully Sullenberger" after he successfully executed an emergency landing in the Hudson River in 2009. This event saved the lives of all 155 people on board and earned him widespread admiration.
Despite its historical origins and notable bearers, Chesley remains relatively uncommon today. It is often associated with families who trace their ancestry back to Norman France or have a preference for unique and distinctive names. Overall, Chesley is an intriguing and historically rich given name that carries a strong and meaningful interpretation.
The name Chesley has been given to a total of 2283 babies born in the United States since 1880. The earliest year on record with the Social Security Administration for the name Chesley is 1880.
Chesley experienced popularity between the years 1914-1929, during which time it maintained a consistent rank in the top 500 names given to babies born in the United States. In fact, the highest recorded occurrence of the name was in 1917 with 42 births.
After World War II, Chesley's popularity began to decline. Between 1946 and 1983, only a total of 520 babies were named Chesley. However, from 1984 onwards, there has been a resurgence in the popularity of the name Chesley, with a total of 766 births recorded between that year and 2021.
In recent years, Chesley has experienced a notable increase in popularity. Between 2011 and 2021, there were a total of 57 births recorded for the name Chesley. This indicates that while Chesley may not be as popular as it once was, it remains a viable option for parents looking for a unique and distinctive name for their child.
Overall, the statistics on the name Chesley show a steady decline in popularity over time, with some notable spikes during specific periods. However, despite its waning popularity, Chesley continues to be chosen by parents as a name for their newborns, suggesting that it still holds appeal for those seeking a distinctive and memorable name.