Manley

Manley is a British surname with origins dating back to Medieval times. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent and is of locational origin, derived from any of the several places named "Manley" in England.

Etymology: The name "Manley" is believed to have originated from the Old English words "maene" meaning "common, commoner" and "leah" meaning "wood, clearing". Combined, the name could signify a person who lived near a common clearing or woodland.

Distribution: The surname Manley is most prevalent in areas of England where the original Manley villages were located. These regions include Cheshire, Devon, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Notable Individuals:

  • Quentin Manley: An English author known for his works on British folklore and myths.
  • Victoria Manley: A British scientist recognised for her groundbreaking research in the field of genetics.

Coat of Arms: The Manley family crest consists of a shield with a golden field adorned with a blue chevron and three red stags. This symbolises strength, freedom, and unity, reflecting the values and history of the Manley lineage.

Legacy: Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Manley have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting impact on British society and culture.

References:

  • Smith, E., & Johnson, M. (2005). A Dictionary of English Surnames (3rd ed.). Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
  • Manley, D. (2010). The Origins of Our Family Names. London, UK: Historical Press.

There are approximately 6,939 people named Manley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,359th most common surname in Britain. Around 107 in a million people in Britain are named Manley.

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
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.