West

West is an English direction word and surname used as a given name. Its literal meaning is west, rather than “western meadow,” which belongs to explanations of longer names. A family might choose West for a place, a family surname, or an association with travel and the landscape, but those are personal connections rather than additional translations.

West also works as a shortening of Weston, while remaining complete on its own. Its single syllable gives it a different rhythm from the longer form, especially beside a lengthy surname. North and East provide other directional comparisons; Weston and Wesley offer related-looking choices whose full histories should be considered separately.