The name Chesley originates from the Old English language and can be traced back to the 11th century. It is derived from the combination of two words: "chese" meaning cheese and "leah" meaning a meadow or clearing. Therefore, the name Chesley likely referred to a cheese meadow or a clearing where cheese was produced or stored.

The name was initially more prevalent in the southern regions of England, particularly in the counties of Wiltshire, Somerset, and Gloucestershire, where dairy farming and cheese-making were common activities. However, over time, the name spread to other parts of the country and even beyond.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chesley appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The entry mentions a person named Cheselinus, which is believed to be a variant spelling of Chesley.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Chesley. One of the most prominent was Chesley Silliman (1805-1890), an American businessman and philanthropist who was a major benefactor of Yale University. Another notable Chesley was Chesley Burnap Sullenberger (1851-1932), an American engineer and inventor who patented several innovations in the field of steam engines.

In the field of arts and literature, Chesley Bonestell (1888-1986) was a renowned American painter and illustrator known for his depictions of space exploration and extraterrestrial landscapes. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger (born 1951) is a retired American airline pilot who gained international fame for his successful emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, an event known as the "Miracle on the Hudson."

Chesley Daniel "Sled" Sullins (1919-2009) was an American baseball player who played for the St. Louis Browns and the Boston Red Sox in the 1940s. He earned his nickname "Sled" due to his ability to slide headfirst into bases.

While the name Chesley has its roots in Old English and was more commonly used in the past, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich historical background.