Why we chose the name "Wesley"

Wesley

English cultural origin
Spiritual connotation: Steadfast

"Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble" Proverbs 3:23

I first suggested the name of Wesley because I simply liked the name. I was drawn to it for some reason, but I also liked that it wasn't on the Top 10 list for boy names, nor was it on the Top 100 boy names in the past several years. This has the advantage of Wesley not being confused with his peers as he starts school because I can guarantee that there won't be more than one Wesley in the class! I actually told James that I liked the name in the month before we found out we were pregnant (discussing future baby names, as you do when you're married and hope to have a child!). James liked the name too, and about five months later when we found out we were having a boy, his name was decided!

In addition to simply liking the name, there were more thoughtful reasons for our choice. Here is our rationale, as written by James:

On both sides of our family we trace our heritage back to England, and traditionally, the name Wesley is of Old English origin, meaning “from the West meadow”. Given that we are firm believers in the virtues of Western values and thought, and that the term “meadow” is closely related to the meaning of “garth”, ie. a small garden, then the direct meaning of the name seems most suitable indeed.

But the most important reason why we endorse the name Wesley is that it is given in honor of one of James’ personal historical role models and mentors, John Wesley.

John Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, confirmed by reason, illuminated by tradition and verified in personal experience. His theology attempted to merge the domains of reason and rational thinking with a genuine awareness of spirituality and personal experience, two areas which we hope and pray our son will have much opportunity to explore as he undertakes his own journey in life, and grows in knowledge and stature among men.

Wesley took Jesus’ commands seriously. He was a relentless pursuer of social justice, he was filled with genuine concern for the poor, and he was an instrumental figure in opposing slavery. He was a gifted leader and speaker, who believed that God’s saving grace was available to all who would freely choose to accept it.

It is for these reasons that we are both very glad to choose this name for our son, and pray that he would bear it with pride, and that it will serve him well for all of his days.