HALLEY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Halley

The surname Halley has its origins in England, specifically in the Northumbria region. The name is thought to be of Old English origin, derived from "hælaweg," which means "holy way" or "holy road."

Notable individuals with the surname Halley include Edmond Halley, the famed astronomer and mathematician who is best known for calculating the orbit of the eponymous Halley's Comet. Edmond Halley was a prominent figure in the scientific community and made significant contributions to the field of astronomy.

The surname Halley has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Hailey, Hayley, and Hally. It remains a relatively uncommon surname, with a concentration of individuals carrying the name found mainly in regions with historical ties to Northumbria.

In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Halley can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, often tracing their ancestry back to English roots. The name continues to carry the legacy of Edmond Halley's contributions to the scientific community and serves as a reminder of the rich history of the British Isles.

There are approximately 1,312 people named Halley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,966th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Halley.

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
Paul
Peter
Richard
Robert
Stephen
William

Female

Angela
Ann
Catherine
Deborah
Elizabeth
Emma
Glynis
Jean
Jennifer
Karen
Margaret
Mary
Michelle
Sally
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.