Solley: A British Surname

Origin:

Solley is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Sely", which is a shortened form of "Seliwine". The name has various spellings, including Solly, Sole, Solely, and Selley.

History:

The surname Solley has ancient roots in England, dating back to the medieval period. The name was first recorded in 1153 in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk as "de Selleia", indicating a person from an unidentified location named Selleia.

Over the centuries, the Solley surname has spread across the British Isles, with families bearing this name found in various regions. The name may have originated from a place name or as a nickname for an individual with attributes associated with the word "sole", suggesting uniqueness or prominence.

Notable People:

Notable individuals with the surname Solley include:

  • Steve Solley (b. 1965): A British musician known for his contributions to the rock band Big Country.
  • David Solley (b. 1950): An English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Somerset.

Variants:

Variants of the Solley surname include Solly, Solley, Sole, and Selley.

Popularity:

The surname Solley is relatively rare in modern times, with variations of the name existing in different regions. The name's historical significance and presence in British records make it a part of the nation's rich genealogical heritage.

Overall, the Solley surname is a testament to the enduring legacy of English names and the diverse origins of British surnames.

There are approximately 489 people named Solley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Solley.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Graham
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Ann
  • Deborah
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Kathryn
  • Margaret
  • Maureen
  • Michelle
  • Samantha
  • Sarah
  • Tessa

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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