MORLEY
Morley
Morley is a surname of English origin that is derived from a place name in West Yorkshire, England. The name Morley comes from the Old English words mor, meaning marsh, and leah, meaning clearing or meadow. This suggests that the original bearers of the name lived near or in a marshy area within a clearing.
History
The surname Morley is believed to have originated in the village of Morley in West Yorkshire, England. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 12th century, indicating a long and distinguished history. Over the centuries, the Morley surname has spread not only within the United Kingdom but also to various parts of the world, especially during periods of British colonization.
Notable Bearers
Ancient and Medieval Periods
- John de Morley (c. 1376–1413) – An English nobleman who served as a member of the Parliament of England during the reign of King Henry IV.
- Thomas Morley (c. 1557–1602) – An English composer, theorist, and organist of the Renaissance period, known for his madrigals and other vocal music compositions.
Modern Times
- Robert Morley (1908–1992) – A British actor, known for his distinctive voice and roles in numerous films and stage productions.
- Sheridan Morley (1941–2007) – A British author, biographer, and critic, particularly known for his writings on theatre and film.
- Sue Morley – A contemporary British artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings.
Variations
The Morley surname has various historical spelling variations, including Moorley, Moreley, and Morleigh, among others. These variations can be attributed to differences in regional accents, dialects, and clerical recording practices over time.
In conclusion, the Morley surname holds a significant place in English history and has produced individuals of note across various fields. Its origins in West Yorkshire and subsequent spread make it a name of enduring importance in British genealogy and cultural heritage.
There are approximately 23,387 people named Morley in the UK. That makes it the 358th most common surname in Britain. Around 359 in a million people in Britain are named Morley.
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
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Marley
- Marelli
- Marlay
- Marl
- Mearley
- Marrley
- Marely
- Marlly
- Marly
- Marlie
- Morely
- Morle
- Mauley
- Merley
- Merly
- Mirley
- Morelee
- Moreley
- Moreli
- Morelis
- Morell
- Morelli
- Morily
- Morl
- Morlay
- Morlee
- Morlie
- Morlley
- Morly
- Mourley
- Murley
- Murly
- Marli
- Merl
- Merli
- Merrlies
- Moorley
- Morally
- Morella
- Morla
- Morleo
- Mornley
- Morpley
- Morsley
- Mortley
- Mouerley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.