HOWLEY
Howley
Overview: Howley is a surname of English origin with a long history in various regions of England. The surname is believed to have derived from the Old English word "hoh" which means "a projecting piece of land" or "a hill." Over time, this evolved into "how" or "howe," indicating a prominent geographical feature related to the local landscape. The addition of the suffix "-ley" signifies a clearing or meadow, resulting in the name Howley.
Distribution: The Howley surname can be found across England, particularly in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. In some cases, the surname may have migrated to other areas of the British Isles, such as Ireland, where it can also be encountered.
Prominent Figures: Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Howley have been involved in various occupations and endeavours. While specific notable figures are not widely recorded, the surname has likely been part of local communities, contributing to regional activities and professions.
Variant Spellings: Variants of the Howley surname include Howly, Howle, Howleigh, and Howlay, among others. These variations may have arisen from regional dialects or transcription errors over time.
Coat of Arms: As with many English surnames, Howley may be associated with a distinctive coat of arms. This heraldic symbol, if available, likely features elements symbolising strength, tradition, or regional significance.
Contemporary Significance: In modern times, individuals bearing the Howley surname may have diverse backgrounds and pursuits. The name continues to be passed down through generations, connecting families to their English heritage and ancestral origins.
References: For further information on the Howley surname, researchers can consult genealogical records, historical archives, and family history resources. Studying local histories and migration patterns may provide additional insights into the surname's evolution and distribution.
There are approximately 1,935 people named Howley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,329th most common surname in Britain. Around 30 in a million people in Britain are named Howley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Thomas
Female
- Bronwen
- Catherine
- Christine
- Jane
- Janet
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- 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.