Coley

Surname: Coley

Origin: English

Meaning: The surname Coley is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name 'Cola', meaning coal. It is a metonymic occupational name for a burner of charcoal or a gatherer or seller of coal.

Frequency: The surname Coley is fairly common in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical coal mining activity.

Historical Significance: The Coley surname has ancient roots in England, dating back to the early medieval period. It was likely first used as a descriptive nickname for someone involved in the coal industry. Over time, families with the surname Coley spread across various parts of the country, contributing to its prevalence.

Variants: Variants of the Coley surname include Colley and Coalley. These variations may reflect regional dialects and phonetic changes over time.

Famous Individuals: The Coley surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. This includes individuals in the fields of arts, politics, and sports.

Coat of Arms: The Coley family may have had a coat of arms associated with their surname, though these differ from family to family. These coats of arms were traditionally used as symbols of heritage and identity.

Modern Distribution: Today, individuals with the surname Coley can be found not only in the UK but also in other parts of the world as a result of migration and emigration patterns.

Conclusion: The surname Coley has a rich history and continues to be passed down through generations, representing the legacy of those who were once involved in coal-related occupations in England.

There are approximately 4,233 people named Coley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,208th most common surname in Britain. Around 65 in a million people in Britain are named Coley.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Angela
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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