LILLEY
Lilley
Introduction Lilley is a British surname of medieval origins, with roots traced back to the counties of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire in England. The name Lilley is classified as a toponymic surname, derived from localities in these regions.
Etymology The surname Lilley is believed to have evolved from the Old English word "lēah," meaning a clearing in the woods or a meadow. When combined with the Anglo-Saxon personal name "Lilla," it forms Lilley, indicating a place named after a person named Lilla.
Distribution The surname Lilley is principally found in the South East and East of England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire. Over time, branches of the Lilley family spread to various parts of the United Kingdom, with some migrating to other English-speaking countries.
Historical Significance The Lilley surname has a long history in Britain, with records dating back to the medieval period. Individuals bearing the Lilley name have been associated with various professions and social classes over the centuries, including farmers, craftsmen, merchants, and landowners.
Notable Individuals
- David Lilley (b. 1975) – Professional snooker player from England.
- Val Lilley – Acclaimed British author known for her works in the mystery and thriller genres.
Variants Variants of the Lilley surname include Liley, Lillie, Lely, and Lilly. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects and historical spelling practices.
Conclusion The Lilley surname holds a place in British history and genealogy, embodying a connection to specific regions and family lineages. It remains a distinctive and recognisable surname, with descendants spread across the United Kingdom and beyond.
There are approximately 10,612 people named Lilley in the UK. That makes it the 871st most common surname in Britain. Around 163 in a million people in Britain are named Lilley.
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
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Emma
- Helen
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Lailey
- Laily
- Laley
- Laleye
- Lallay
- Lalley
- Lally
- Laly
- Lauley
- Lawley
- Lawly
- Layley
- Lealey
- Lealy
- Leeley
- Leley
- Lelley
- Lelly
- Lely
- Lewly
- Lilee
- Liley
- Lili
- Lilie
- Lilis
- Lilla
- Lille
- Lillee
- Lilli
- Lillia
- Lillice
- Lillie
- Lillies
- Lillis
- Lilliu
- Lillo
- Lilly
- Lily
- Lolay
- Loley
- Lollay
- Lolley
- Lolly
- Loly
- Looley
- Lowley
- Lowly
- Loyley
- Lulay
- Luley
- Lulley
- Lully
- Luly
- Lyley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.