As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

(origin: Local) Burh, Saxon, is the same as burg, a city, castle, house, or tower; in composition, it signifies defense; leigh, a low place, opposed to a place higher, the same as ley, a meadow, a pasture. Burly, swelled, bulky, boisterous.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

BURLEIGH. BURLEY. (Often interchangeably used.) Places in cos. Northampt., Rutland, Hants, York, &c.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


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

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