Jolley

Origin

Jolley is a distinctly British surname with its roots stemming from the Middle Ages. The name is of English origin, being derived from the Old French word "joli," meaning cheerful, happy, or pretty.

Meaning

The surname Jolley is thought to have originally been a nickname for a cheerful or lively person. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

Distribution

The surname Jolley is most commonly found in various regions across the United Kingdom. It is especially prevalent in areas such as Lancashire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire.

Notable Individuals

Some individuals bearing the surname Jolley have gained recognition in various fields. This includes:

  • Peter Jolley: A notable British football player who played for several clubs in the 1970s.
  • Margaret Jolley: A respected author known for her works in the field of British literature and poetry.

Variants

Variants of the surname Jolley include Jolly and Jollie.

There are approximately 3,555 people named Jolley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,586th most common surname in Britain. Around 55 in a million people in Britain are named Jolley.

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

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Josephine
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • 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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