GRADLEY
Gradley
Gradley is a British surname with roots dating back to medieval England. The surname is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Gradda" combined with the word "leah," meaning a forest clearing. This suggests that the surname may have originally denoted someone who lived near a clearing in a forest or woodland.
The first recorded instance of the Gradley surname dates back to the early 13th century in Berkshire, England. Over the centuries, the Gradley family name has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by generations of individuals.
Like many British surnames, Gradley has undergone variations in spelling over time, including Gradly, Gradleigh, and Graddley. This is common in genealogy due to factors such as phonetic spelling and illiteracy among early record-keepers.
Today, individuals bearing the surname Gradley can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, reflecting the history of migration and diaspora that characterises the British population. The surname has likely evolved and developed diverse branches, each with its own unique history and story to tell.
There are approximately 93 people named Gradley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Gradley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Bob
- Chris
- Keith
- Michael
Female