Waverly

At a Glance

Meaning

Meadow of quivering aspen trees

Origin

English (place name/surname)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

WAY-vur-leeListen

Waverly is an English name that started out as a place name and surname, not a nature or water word — despite how often it gets linked to ocean 'waves.' It actually comes from an Old English place name meaning 'meadow of quivering aspen trees.' Said WAY-vur-lee (IPA /ˈweɪvərli/), it fits a storybook, vintage style for parents drawn to older, place-rooted names for a girl.

Meaning & Origin of Waverly

Meaning: Meadow of quivering aspen trees.

Origin: English (place name/surname).

A common claim: Often assumed to relate to ocean 'waves,' evoking something flowing or wave-like. Actually: Waverly isn't related to 'waves' — it likely comes from an Old English place name meaning 'meadow of quivering aspen trees.'

Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.

How to Pronounce Waverly

Popularity of Waverly

Waverly's closest brush with popularity was back in 1900, when it hit rank #735 with just 13 girls given the name. By 2024 it had drifted to rank #916, yet 289 girls received it that year — far more babies than in 1900, even though the rank itself is lower.

Names Like Waverly

These names share Waverly’s style, era or origin.

• Hazel
• Holly
• Ivey
• Lilly
• Mavis
• Rosie

FAQ

What does the name Waverly mean?

Meadow of quivering aspen trees. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Waverly?

Waverly is pronounced WAY-vur-lee (IPA: /ˈweɪvərli/).

Is Waverly a popular name right now?

Waverly peaked at #735 in 1900 and is ranked #916 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1881–2024.)

Make Waverly Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Waverly, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.