Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
COLLEY
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) Coll-lle, in Welsh, denotes the place of hazel; Cil-lle, the place on the back or neck of the hill; from cil or col, the back or neck. Coille, Gaelic, a wood.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
COLLEY. The original surname of tlie Marquis Wellesley, the Duke of "Wellington, &c., was Avritten Cowley, temp. Hen. VIII.
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