PRIESTLEY
Priestley
Priestley is a surname of English origin, which may have been derived from the occupational name for a priest or the agent noun of the Middle English word "prest", meaning cleric or clergyman. The name is primarily found in the region of Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
History and Origin
The surname Priestley has ancient origins dating back to the medieval period in England. The first recorded instances of the name date back to the early 13th century in Yorkshire. The Priestley family has been associated with various locations, including the villages of Bierley and Ovenden in West Yorkshire.
Notable Individuals
-
Joseph Priestley (1733 – 1804): A renowned English chemist, cleric, and political theorist, known for his discovery of oxygen and contributions to the development of modern chemistry.
-
J.B. Priestley (1894 – 1984): An English novelist, playwright, and broadcaster, famous for works such as "An Inspector Calls" and "Time and the Conways".
Modern Distribution
The surname Priestley continues to be prevalent in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions like Yorkshire and West Yorkshire where the name has historical ties. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries around the world due to migration and emigration.
Coat of Arms
The Priestley coat of arms is characterized by symbols such as a rampant lion, a chevron, and a bezant. These heraldic emblems signify attributes such as strength, loyalty, and wealth, reflective of the values historically associated with the Priestley family.
In conclusion, the surname Priestley carries a rich history and legacy, with notable individuals contributing greatly to various fields, making it a respected and esteemed name within British society.
There are approximately 8,983 people named Priestley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,058th most common surname in Britain. Around 138 in a million people in Britain are named Priestley.
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
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Caroline
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.