Wylie
Wylie is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning “Resolute protector, crafty”, pronounced WY-lee. It ranked #1182 in the United States in 2025, given to 175 babies, and peaked at #460 in 1887. Common nicknames: Wy, Will.
How popular is Wylie in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Wylie mean, and where does it come from?
Wylie is a Scottish surname, a pet form of William filtered through the Norman Guillaume, and it is also read through the English word wily, "cunning," which is what most people hear. It has been in American birth records since 1880 and stood in the top thousand that year, and it is rising again now with Wilder, Arlo and Otis — short surname names with a frontier flavour. The Wylie spelling is the Scottish one; Wiley is the English.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Wylie
- Wylie Dufresne — American chef and pioneer of molecular gastronomy in the United States
- Wylie Watson — Scottish actor
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Sibling Name Ideas for Wylie
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Wylie mean?
Wylie is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning "Resolute protector, crafty." Wylie is a Scottish surname, a pet form of William filtered through the Norman Guillaume, and it is also read through the English word wily, "cunning," which is what most people hear. It has been in American birth records since 1880 and stood in the top thousand that year, and it is rising again now with Wilder, Arlo and Otis — short surname names with a frontier flavour.
How do you pronounce Wylie?
Wylie is pronounced WY-lee. Common variations include Wiley, Wylee, Wyly.
Is Wylie a boy name?
Yes, Wylie is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Wy, Will.