Midgley

Midgley is a surname of English origin, particularly prevalent in the West Yorkshire region of England. The name is thought to have originated from the Old English personal name "Midda" combined with the suffix "-ley," denoting a clearing in the woods or a meadow.

Origins and History:

The Midgley surname is believed to have originated in the West Yorkshire area during the medieval period. The first recorded instance of the name was in the early 13th century. The Midgley family has a long history of residing in the region, with records showing them living in villages such as Midgley, near Halifax.

Notable Individuals:

1. Kenneth Midgley:

  • An eminent scientist known for his groundbreaking research in the field of genetics. His work on gene mapping has significantly contributed to the understanding of hereditary diseases.

2. Mary-Anne Midgley:

  • Renowned philosopher and author, Mary-Anne Midgley, was celebrated for her ethical writings. Her work challenged conventional philosophical ideas and offered a fresh perspective on key moral issues.

Variants:

Variants of the Midgley surname may include Midgely, Migley, Midgeley, and Midgely.

References:

Smith, A. (2005). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on general knowledge and historical data. Further genealogical research may be required for precise details about specific individuals or branches of the Midgley family.

There are approximately 5,514 people named Midgley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,720th most common surname in Britain. Around 85 in a million people in Britain are named Midgley.

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
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Hazel
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • 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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