Carley

Carley is a surname of English origin that is found predominantly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is believed to derive from the Old English personal name "Carl", meaning "free man" or "farmer", and the suffix "-ey", indicating a place. Therefore, the surname Carley may have originally signified a person who lived near a farm or settlement.

The first recorded instance of the surname Carley dates back to the early 13th century in Worcestershire, England, where a family bearing this name was known to have resided. Over the centuries, the name spread to various regions in the UK, with concentrations in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and London.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Carley have been involved in diverse occupations, including agriculture, trade, and the military. Some notable figures bearing the surname include literary figures, business professionals, and athletes.

The surname Carley has also been the subject of genealogical research, with efforts to trace the family lineage and connections through historical records and archives. As with many surnames, variations in spelling have arisen over time, such as Carle, Carlee, Carleigh, and Carli, reflecting the evolution of language and regional dialects.

Today, the surname Carley continues to be borne by individuals in the UK and other parts of the world, maintaining a link to its roots in English history and heritage.

There are approximately 1,236 people named Carley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,274th most common surname in Britain. Around 19 in a million people in Britain are named Carley.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Nicholas
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Amanda
  • Cindy
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rachael
  • Rachel
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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