Hurley

Hurley is a surname of English origin that is derived from several possible sources. One common origin of the name is as a habitational name for individuals who resided in various locations in England named Hurley. These places include Hurley in Berkshire, Warwickshire, and Berkshire. The name is believed to stem from the Old English term hyrne, meaning "corner", and leah, meaning "wood" or "clearing", suggesting that people with the surname "Hurley" may have originally been associated with these areas.

Another possible origin of the Hurley name is as a variant of the Old English personal name Herlewin, composed of elements meaning "noble" and "friend". This name was common in medieval England and may have given rise to the modern surname in certain cases.

The surname Hurley is first recorded in English documents in the 13th century, with variations such as Hurle, Hurl, and Hurly. Over time, the surname has spread to various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable individuals with the surname Hurley include actress Elizabeth Hurley, best known for her roles in film and television, and British professional footballer Michael Hurley, who has played for various clubs in the English Football League.

In conclusion, the surname Hurley has a rich history rooted in English place names and personal names, and it continues to be borne by individuals around the world today.

There are approximately 9,975 people named Hurley in the UK. That makes it the 925th most common surname in Britain. Around 153 in a million people in Britain are named Hurley.

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
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Lesley
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.

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