Derived from the Anglo-Norman word wes - "portion of the name refers to the Western cardinal direction" + lea (Ley) - "refers to a field, pasture, or other clearing in a forest". Thus the name's origin refers to a - "western lea; field to the west". The name was predominantly used as a surname until John Wesley, founder of the Methodist church, inspired some parents to name their sons after him while also retaining the parents' own surname.
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