Find out how popular the first name Waverly has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Waverly by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Waverly is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 93% of people named Waverly being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 305 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Waverly.

The history of the first name Waverly

The name Waverly is a habitational surname that originated in England, derived from the placename Waverley, which means "meadow haunted by quails" or "quail field." The name is a combination of the Old English words "waefre," meaning "quavering" or "wandering," and "leah," meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow."

One of the earliest known references to the name Waverly can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which recorded the landholdings of Waverley Abbey in Surrey, England. The abbey, founded in 1128, played a significant role in the early dissemination of the name.

Sir Walter Scott's novel "Waverley," published in 1814, is believed to have contributed to the popularization of the name. The novel's protagonist, Edward Waverley, was a young English officer who became involved in the Jacobite uprising of 1745.

The name gained further prominence in the United States due to its association with the town of Waverley, Massachusetts, established in the early 19th century. Waverley Mills, a textile manufacturing company founded in the town, also helped to spread the name.

Notable historical figures with the first name Waverly include:

1. Waverly Root (1903-1982), an American journalist and author known for his works on language and etymology.
2. Waverly Jones (1942-2005), an American actor and singer best known for his role as Woodrow "Woody" Anderson on the sitcom "227."
3. Waverly Bryson (1888-1959), an American singer and vaudeville performer who was a member of the Bryson Quartet.
4. Waverly Williams (1923-2016), an American gospel singer and songwriter, known for her work with the Dixie Hummingbirds.
5. Waverly Aurich (1923-2000), an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Waverly Company, a manufacturer of home furnishings.

The name Waverly has a rich historical background, with roots in Old English and connections to various literary, religious, and cultural aspects throughout its journey. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it continues to be a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Waverly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Waverly, please contact us.

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