Owsley is an uncommon given name of American origin, derived from the surname Owsei, which has Scottish and Irish roots. It is believed to have originated from the Old Norse personal name Áusleifr, composed of the elements 'aust' meaning 'east' and 'leifr' meaning 'heir'. The name gained prominence in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among families with Scottish or Irish heritage. However, it has never been among the most popular choices for baby names and is often associated with uniqueness rather than widespread familiarity. Owsley is also notable as a surname, with prominent figures such as Augustus Stanley Owsley III, an American chemist known for his work in the counterculture movement of the 1960s.
"In 2017, there were five babies named Owsley."