SHAWLEY
Shawley
Shawley is a British surname with origins dating back to medieval times. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent and is derived from the Old English word "sceaga," meaning a small wood or copse, combined with the suffix "-ley," which signifies a clearing or meadow. Therefore, the surname Shawley likely denoted someone who lived near or in a small wood or clearing.
The earliest recorded instances of the Shawley surname appear in old English documents and parish registers, indicating its long-standing presence in British history. Over the centuries, the surname has spread across various regions in the UK, and individuals bearing the name have been found in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Like many British surnames, Shawley may have undergone variations in spelling over time, including Shawleigh, Shalley, and Shaulley. These variations reflect the phonetic and regional differences in the English language through the ages.
Individuals with the Shawley surname have made contributions to various fields, including academia, the arts, and business. The surname continues to be passed down through generations, keeping alive the legacy of a name that has its roots deep in British history.
There are approximately 165 people named Shawley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Shawley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Rodney
Female
- Gillian
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Lynnette
- Wendy