Wally is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. The name comes from the Germanic element "wall," which means "foreigner" or "stranger." It was initially used as a nickname for someone who came from another place or who was considered an outsider in their community.
The name Wally became particularly popular in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, likely due to its use as a diminutive form of names such as Walter and Wallace. However, it has also been used independently as a given name since medieval times.
One famous bearer of the name Wally was American photographer Wally Groener, who was known for his work in documenting the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Another notable figure with this name is Australian footballer Wally Davenport, who played for several teams throughout his career in the 1950s and 1960s.
Overall, while Wally may not be as widely used today as it once was, its history and meaning make it a unique and interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
"The name Wally had a peak period of popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, with over 100 births per year occurring annually between 1947 and 1962. However, its usage has significantly declined since then, with fewer than 30 births recorded in each year from 1980 onwards."