BERKELEY
Berkeley
Origin: The surname Berkeley is of English origin, derived from the place name Berkeley in Gloucestershire, England. The name is rooted in Old English, with "berc" meaning birch tree, and "leah" meaning woodland clearing.
History: The Berkeley family has a long and illustrious history in England, dating back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The earliest known record of the name is that of Roger de Berkeley, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as a landowner in Gloucestershire. The family became prominent landowners and held various titles and positions of power throughout English history.
Notable Individuals:
- Thomas Berkeley, 3rd Baron Berkeley (1293-1361): A prominent nobleman and military commander during the reign of Edward III.
- George Berkeley (1685-1753): A renowned philosopher and bishop who made significant contributions to metaphysics.
- Maurice Berkeley (1787-1867): An influential politician and diplomat who served as Ambassador to Spain and Sweden.
Variants: The surname Berkeley may have various spelling variations, including Berkley, Barkley, or Barkeley, due to historical factors such as phonetic changes and dialectal influences.
Modern Usage: The surname Berkeley continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, often serving as a link to their historic English roots. The name's prestigious history and connections to notable figures make it a source of pride for many families.
There are approximately 711 people named Berkeley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,590th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Berkeley.
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
- Anthony
- Charles
- David
- James
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Belinda
- Catherine
- Daniella
- Dorothy
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Katherine
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.