BERKLEY

Berkley

Berkley is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English words "berc" meaning "birch tree" and "leah" meaning "wood" or "clearing". The surname originally denoted someone who lived near a birch tree or in a birch forest.

History

The surname Berkley has a long history in England, dating back to medieval times. The first recorded instance of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists a William de Berchelai in Berkshire. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various parts of England and beyond, with notable concentrations in areas such as Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Devon.

Notable Bearers

1. George Berkley (1685-1753): An Irish philosopher who is best known for his theory of immaterialism, which argues that the material world exists only in the mind.

2. Maurice Berkley (1914-1985): A British artist and illustrator known for his distinctive style and depictions of rural life in England.

Variants

Variants of the surname Berkley include Berkeley, Barkeley, and Barkley.

References

• Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

This entry provides an overview of the origin, history, notable bearers, variants, and references related to the British surname Berkley.

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

• Alan
• Alexander
• Daniel
• David
• James
• John
• Michael
• Richard
• Simon
• William

Female

• Anna
• Anne
• Delia
• Doreen
• Elizabeth
• Jean
• Joan
• Karen
• Mary
• Nicola
• Rachel
• Rebecca
• Shirley
• Susan

Similar and related surnames

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