Billingsley

The surname Billingsley is of English origin, with its roots dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the village of Billingsley in Shropshire, England. The village's name is thought to have originated from the Old English personal name "Billa" combined with the suffix "-inga" meaning "people of," and "-leah" meaning "woodland clearing," reflecting the settlement's early inhabitants or the geographical features of the area.

The earliest instances of the surname Billingsley can be traced back to the medieval period in England. One of the notable bearers of the surname is Sir Henry Billingsley (c. 1535 – 1606), an English merchant, Lord Mayor of London, and a patron of learning. He is best known for his translation of Euclid's Elements into English, which was a significant contribution to the field of mathematics during the Renaissance.

Over the centuries, the Billingsley surname has spread beyond its original place of origin and can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and the world. Individuals bearing this surname have been engaged in diverse professions and have made contributions to fields such as academia, literature, business, and the arts.

Today, the surname Billingsley continues to be prevalent, with descendants of the original bearers residing in different regions. The name serves as a testament to the rich history and heritage of the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,119 people named Billingsley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,768th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Billingsley.

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
  • John
  • Jonathan
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Alice
  • Caroline
  • Claire
  • Dawn
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Jodi
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Vanessa
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

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

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