Basley

Basley is a British surname with a longstanding history that originates from the region of Yorkshire in England. The name is of Anglo-Saxon/Viking in origin, derived from a combination of the Old English personal name "Bæcc" or "Basc", meaning ridge, and "leah", meaning a wood, clearing, or meadow.

The earliest recorded instance of the Basley surname dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is documented as "Basselei". Over the centuries, the surname has undergone variations in spelling, such as Basely, Basleye, and Baslee, reflecting the phonetic changes and regional dialects of the time.

The Basley family was predominantly associated with agricultural and rural occupations, reflecting the agrarian society of medieval England. Members of the Basley clan were often farmers, labourers, or craftsmen, contributing to their local communities.

The distribution of the Basley surname in the United Kingdom has been mainly concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in Yorkshire, where the name has strong historical roots. However, variants of the surname can also be found across different counties of England, Wales, and Scotland.

Today, individuals bearing the surname Basley can be found in various professions and walks of life, reflecting the diverse and dynamic nature of contemporary British society. The name continues to be a testament to the rich heritage and cultural tapestry of the British Isles.

There are approximately 160 people named Basley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Basley.

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
  • Arthur
  • Bob
  • Christopher
  • Darren
  • David
  • John
  • Keith
  • Kyle
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Ann
  • Danielle
  • Geraldine
  • Heather
  • Helen
  • Irene
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Kate
  • Lucy
  • Margaret
  • Penelope
  • Penny
  • Sally
  • Sarah

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