Whitley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word 'hwyte', which means 'white'. The name was originally used as a surname, but it has since been adopted as a given name for both boys and girls.
The name Whitley is believed to have originated in England during the Middle Ages. It was likely used to describe someone who had fair or white hair, or perhaps lived in a white house or near a white landmark. The name may also have been associated with the color white itself, which was often symbolic of purity and innocence.
Over time, the surname Whitley became more common, and it eventually began to be used as a given name as well. Today, Whitley is still relatively rare, but it is gaining popularity as parents seek out unique and meaningful names for their children.
Overall, Whitley is a charming and distinctive name with a rich history and a beautiful meaning. Whether you're considering the name for yourself or your child, it's worth noting that Whitley is a name that stands out from the crowd while still having deep roots in English history.
"Whitley as a name started with a slow rise from 6 births in 1984 to a peak of 508 births in 1988. It maintained popularity until around the mid-90s, then saw a steady decline until 2009. Since then, there's been a resurgence, with birth numbers more than doubling from 106 in 2009 to 383 in 2023."