OXLEY
Oxley
Origin and Meaning
Oxley is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin dating back to the Middle Ages in England. It is derived from the Old English words "Ox" which means oxen and "Leah" which means a clearing or a pasture. Therefore, the name Oxley likely referred to a person who lived near or tended to an area where oxen were kept.
Distribution
The surname Oxley is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire in England. Over time, individuals with the surname Oxley migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, leading to a dispersed distribution of the name.
Notable Individuals
- John Oxley (1784-1828): An English-born explorer and surveyor who played a key role in the exploration and mapping of early colonial Australia.
- Harold Oxley (1915-2003): A prominent British physicist known for his research in the field of quantum mechanics.
- Patricia Oxley: An acclaimed poet and editor known for her contributions to contemporary British poetry.
Coat of Arms
The Oxley family crest typically features symbols associated with strength, such as oxen or trees, denoting resilience and stability. The crest often includes heraldic elements that represent the family's lineage and achievements.
Variants
Variants of the surname Oxley include Oexle, Oxtoby, and Oxlee, with each variation reflecting regional dialectical differences or spelling alterations over the centuries.
There are approximately 7,525 people named Oxley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,244th most common surname in Britain. Around 116 in a million people in Britain are named Oxley.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Simon
Female
- Alison
- Angela
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan