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.
The name Wylie experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak of 147 births in 2021 and a total of 5732 births overall since 1880. However, it appears that the name's popularity has been declining recently, with fewer than 100 births annually from 2019 onwards.