Damp meadow or watchful meadow
Derived from Old English elements, this surname-turned-given-name likely refers to a 'watchful meadow' or a 'damp meadow'. The first element 'wacu' suggests watchfulness or a wake, while 'leah' refers to a clearing or meadow. It is part of the modern trend of using 'lee' ending surnames for girls.
Less common today
Wakely isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #8,901 in 2021.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
