BIRLEY

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

Birley
Birley is a surname of English origin, derived from various places named Birley in the United Kingdom, particularly in Derbyshire and Herefordshire. The name is believed to have originated from Old English words meaning "birch tree" and "woodland clearing".

The Birley family has been documented in records dating back to the 13th century, with prominent individuals bearing the name throughout English history. Notable figures with the surname Birley include businessman Joseph Birley, who founded the Birley & Co. brewery in Manchester in the 19th century.

Over the centuries, the Birley surname has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, with descendants emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Today, individuals with the surname Birley can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the diversity of the global population.

The Birley name has continued to hold significance for many families, serving as a link to their English heritage and ancestral roots. Its etymology and historical associations make it a distinctive surname within the tapestry of British family names.

There are approximately 725 people named Birley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,446th most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Birley.

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
John
Julian
Mark
Matthew
Michael
Paul
Peter
Philip
Robert
Simon
Stephen

Female

Alison
Barbara
Caroline
Elizabeth
Emma
Gabriella
Helen
Julie
Linda
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Rebecca
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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