AYNSLEY
Aynsley
Aynsley is a surname of English origin, predominantly found in the northern regions of England. The name is of locational origin, derived from the village of Annesley in Nottinghamshire. The village's name itself is of Old English origin, derived from the elements "an" meaning "one" and "leah" meaning "wood" or "clearing", thus denoting a location of a single clearing or wood.
Origins and Distribution
The surname Aynsley is recorded as early as the 13th century in various written forms, such as "Aynesley", "Annesley", and "Ainsley". It is primarily located in regions like Nottinghamshire, Durham, and Yorkshire. Over time, the surname has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond due to migration and emigration.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals bearing the surname Aynsley include athletes, artists, and professionals across different fields. Historically, the Aynsley family has been associated with noble lineages and landed gentry in various parts of England.
Heraldic Significance
The Aynsley family has a distinctive coat of arms, which typically includes elements such as shields, crests, and mottos. These symbols are used to represent the family's heritage, values, and achievements.
Contemporary Significance
In modern times, the surname Aynsley continues to be passed down through generations, retaining its historical and familial significance. Many individuals with the surname Aynsley are actively involved in preserving their family history and genealogy.
References
- P. H. Reaney, R. M. Wilson, and others, A Dictionary of English Surnames (Oxford University Press, 1997).
- George Redmonds, Surnames and Genealogy: A New Approach (Hambledon Continuum, 2002).
This encyclopedia entry provides an overview of the British surname Aynsley, outlining its origins, distribution, notable bearers, heraldic significance, and contemporary relevance.
There are approximately 531 people named Aynsley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Aynsley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- Dennis
- James
- Jason
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Anne
- Emma
- Frances
- Jennifer
- Lisa
- Lucy
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Wendy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.