Housley

Housley is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "hus" meaning house and "leah" meaning wood or clearing. The name is locational, indicating that the original bearers of the name may have hailed from a house within a clearing or near a wood.

History

The Housley surname is recorded in various forms throughout English history, including variations such as Housely, Houseley, and Howsley. The name has been relatively rare compared to some other English surnames, with concentrations in areas such as Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Notable Individuals

  • John Housley (1890–1965) - English footballer who played as a forward during the early 20th century for various clubs.
  • Jane Housley (b. 1952) - British author known for her historical fiction novels set in medieval England.
  • Dr. Michael Housley (b. 1975) - British biologist and environmentalist recognised for his research on endangered species conservation.

Distribution

While the Housley surname is not as common as some others in England, it has spread to other English-speaking countries due to migration and emigration. The name can be found in regions such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variants

Variants of the Housley surname include Houseley, Houzley, and Howsley. Over time, spelling variations have emerged due to factors such as dialectal differences and clerical errors in record-keeping.

In conclusion, the Housley surname is a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the history, geography, and culture of England.

There are approximately 1,900 people named Housley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,391st most common surname in Britain. Around 29 in a million people in Britain are named Housley.

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
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Elizabeth
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Kathryn
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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