The name Wesly is of English origin and derives from the Old English word "west" and "leah," meaning "west meadow" or "western wood." It was initially a surname given to people who lived in or near a western forest or clearing.

The earliest recorded use of the name Wesly dates back to the 13th century, where it appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire in 1273 as "Westle." In the 14th century, variations like "Westley" and "Westlie" were documented in records from Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Wesly was John Westley, an English Puritan minister born in 1636 in Dorset. He is known for his work as a nonconformist preacher and author, writing several religious texts.

In the 18th century, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was born in 1703 in Epworth, Lincolnshire. His influential role in the Methodist movement and his prolific writings on theology and social issues made him a significant figure in the history of Wesly.

Another prominent individual with the name was Samuel Wesley, born in 1766 in Bristol, England. He was a celebrated poet, writer, and Church of England clergyman, known for his satirical works and contributions to literary circles of his time.

In the 19th century, William Wesley, born in 1837 in Penzance, Cornwall, was a renowned bookseller and bibliographer. He specialized in scientific literature and is credited with establishing one of the most extensive collections of scientific books and manuscripts in the world.

Towards the end of the 19th century, John Wesley Hyatt, born in 1837 in Starkey, New York, was an inventor and industrialist who pioneered the development of celluloid, the first practical synthetic plastic material.

Throughout history, the name Wesly has been associated with individuals from various fields, including religion, literature, academia, and industry, reflecting its versatility and enduring presence across different eras and cultures.