HINDLEY
Hindley
Overview
Hindley is a British surname that has its origins in the region of Lancashire and Yorkshire. The name is derived from a place called Hindley, which is a village in the Wigan district of Greater Manchester. The village's name itself is thought to come from the Old English words "hind" meaning a female deer, and "leah" meaning a wood or clearing, indicating a place where deer could be found.
History
The surname Hindley is believed to have emerged as a toponymic surname, denoting a person who hailed from the village of Hindley or who lived near a wooded area where deer were present. As early as the 14th century, records show individuals bearing the surname Hindley in the region of Lancashire.
Notably, the name gained infamy through the case of Myra Hindley, who, along with Ian Brady, was responsible for the Moors Murders in the 1960s. This tragic association has coloured perceptions of the surname in more recent times.
Variants
Variants of the Hindley surname may include Hindlay, Hindeley, and Hindly.
Genealogy
Genealogical research has uncovered various lineages of the Hindley family in different parts of England, particularly in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Individuals bearing the surname have been involved in diverse occupations over the centuries, ranging from agriculture to trade and skilled crafts.
Modern Significance
In contemporary times, the surname Hindley continues to be borne by individuals across the UK and worldwide. As with many surnames rooted in specific locations, the sense of regional identity associated with the name Hindley remains etched in the collective memory of those who trace their heritage to the village or its surrounds.
There are approximately 4,053 people named Hindley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,306th most common surname in Britain. Around 62 in a million people in Britain are named Hindley.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
- Thomas
Female
- Ann
- Barbara
- Deborah
- Eileen
- Elizabeth
- Janet
- Jean
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.