BARKLEY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Barkley

Barkley is a British surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The name is of locational origin, derived from any of the various places in England named Barkley or Berkley. These place names are generally composed of the Old English words "birce," meaning birch tree, and "leah," meaning wood or clearing.

The surname Barkley is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Berchelei," indicating its ancient roots in the country. Over the centuries, the name has evolved into various spellings including Barkley, Berkeley, Berkley, and Barkeley.

Members of the Barkley family have been prominent in British history, with notable individuals in various fields such as politics, literature, and sports. The name Barkley continues to be prevalent in the United Kingdom and among the British diaspora around the world.

In contemporary times, the surname Barkley is often associated with descendants of the original English families. It carries a sense of heritage and connection to England's past, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Barkley name in British society.

There are approximately 889 people named Barkley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,101st most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Barkley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
David
Ian
James
John
Michael
Paul
Peter
Robert
Thomas
William

Female

Elizabeth
Jacqueline
Jenni
Jennifer
Jill
Juliet
Karen
Lesley
Lynn
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Sarah
Susan
Tracey

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.