ROWLEY
Rowley
Origin and Meaning Rowley is a surname of English origin. It is derived from several place names in England, such as Rowley in Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. The name comes from the Old English words "row" meaning rough or rugged, and "leah" meaning wood or clearing, indicating that the original bearers of the name likely lived in or near a place with rough or rugged terrain.
History The surname Rowley has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval times. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century, with variations like de Rouley and del Ruele growing in popularity. Over the centuries, the name spread across different regions of England and eventually to other English-speaking countries through immigration and colonization.
Notable People
- Sir Joshua Rowley - An 18th-century British naval officer who had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.
- Graham Rowley - A British mountaineer who achieved notable feats in the field of rock climbing.
- Thomas Rowley - A fictional character in works of literature, often portrayed as a scribe or poet.
Modern Usage The surname Rowley continues to be prevalent in England and other English-speaking countries. It is borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions, reflecting the widespread dispersal of the name over the centuries. Today, many people with the surname Rowley can trace their ancestry back to the various regions in England where the name originated.
Variations Variations of the surname Rowley include Rawlins, Rawlinson, Rowson, Rawles, and Rowles. These variations may have developed due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, or other factors over time.
Coat of Arms The Rowley family crest typically features symbols such as a shield, a lion rampant, and various colors and patterns that hold specific meanings. The coat of arms is a visual representation of the family's heritage and history, often passed down through generations.
Overall, the surname Rowley holds a rich history and cultural significance, with its origins deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities of England.
There are approximately 16,804 people named Rowley in the UK. That makes it the 529th most common surname in Britain. Around 258 in a million people in Britain are named Rowley.
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
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Roley
- Rolley
- Rollie
- Role
- Rolli
- Roles
- Roly
- Rolly
- Rowely
- Rowle
- Railey
- Railley
- Railly
- Raily
- Raley
- Ralley
- Rally
- Raly
- Rawley
- Rayley
- Realey
- Really
- Realoy
- Realy
- Reeley
- Reelly
- Reely
- Reiley
- Reilley
- Reilly
- Reily
- Relay
- Reley
- Relley
- Relly
- Rely
- Relyea
- Rewley
- Reyley
- Reyly
- Rialey
- Rialy
- Rieley
- Rielley
- Rielly
- Riely
- Rilay
- Riley
- Rillay
- Rilley
- Rilly
- Rily
- Rioley
- Roiley
- Roole
- Rooley
- Rouley
- Roulley
- Rouly
- Rowl
- Rowlay
- Rowlee
- Rowlidge
- Rowlie
- Rowlis
- Rowls
- Rowly
- Royley
- Ruley
- Rulley
- Rully
- Ruly
- Ryley
- Ryly
- Wriley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.