Tilley

Tilley is a distinguished English surname with a rich history and heritage. It is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English pre-7th Century personal name "Tila", meaning 'tile' or 'piece of baked clay', and the Old English word "leah", meaning 'meadow' or 'clearing'. Therefore, the surname Tilley likely denoted someone who lived by a plot of land where tiles were made or used.

The Tilley surname dates back to medieval times, as early records show a John de la Tilley in the Hundred Rolls of Herefordshire in 1275. Over the centuries, the surname has spread throughout England and across the world with English migration.

One of the most notable bearers of the Tilley surname was John Tilley, one of the Pilgrims who travelled to America aboard the Mayflower in 1620. John Tilley, his wife Joan, and their daughter Elizabeth were among the passengers who sought religious freedom in the New World.

Today, the surname Tilley can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in regions influenced by Anglo-Saxon history. The name continues to carry a sense of tradition and familial pride for those who bear it.

In conclusion, the surname Tilley is an ancient and respected English name with a significant historical legacy, representing the endurance and resilience of its bearers through generations.

There are approximately 8,343 people named Tilley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,134th most common surname in Britain. Around 128 in a million people in Britain are named Tilley.

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
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Joanne
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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