LEY

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Ley

Ley is a British surname with roots tracing back to medieval England. The name is derived from the Old English word "leah," meaning a clearing in a woodland or a meadow. This indicates that the original bearers of the Ley surname likely lived near such a place or worked in forestry or agriculture.

The Ley surname has been recorded in various forms over the centuries, including Lee, Lea, and Lees. The name is widespread throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex.

Notable individuals bearing the Ley surname include John Ley (1583–1662), an English academic and controversialist; Emily Ley, a contemporary author and entrepreneur; and Simon Ley, a successful businessman known for his philanthropic work.

The Ley surname reflects a connection to the English landscape and hints at the ancestral occupation or environment of those who first adopted it. Today, the name remains a part of British heritage, representing a link to the country's rich history and diverse cultural tapestry.

There are approximately 2,358 people named Ley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,672nd most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Ley.

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
Michael
Paul
Peter
Richard
Robert
Stephen

Female

Alison
Catherine
Emma
Jacqueline
Joanne
Margaret
Rachel
Rebecca
Sandra
Sara
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

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