Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
MORLEY
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
(origin: Local) From Morlaix, in Brittany, France, and derived from the Welsh or British word mor, the sea, and ley, a valley. It is situated near the sea, on a river of the same name.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
MORLEY. Parishes and places in cos. Derby, York, Norfolk, &c.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
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