BLEAKLEY

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

Bleakley

Etymology and Origin

The surname Bleakley is of Old English origin, deriving from the words "blac" meaning pale or fair, and "leah" meaning wood or clearing. This suggests that the name may have been used to describe someone who lived near a fair or pale wood.

History and Distribution

The surname Bleakley is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, particularly in regions such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over time, the name has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, including Ireland and the United States.

Notable Individuals

Christine Bleakley: A television presenter known for her work on popular British shows such as "The One Show" and "Dancing on Ice".
Michael Bleakley: A renowned academic and author specialising in British history, particularly the medieval period.

Variants

Variants of the surname Bleakley include Blakely and Blakeley, reflecting the evolution of the name over time.

There are approximately 971 people named Bleakley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,544th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Bleakley.

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

Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Neil
Paul
Richard
Robert
Stephen
William

Female

Catherine
Christine
Elizabeth
Helen
Jacqueline
Jane
Janet
Karen
Katherine
Lesley
Margaret
Mary
Pamela
Tracey

Similar and related surnames

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