VARLEY
Varley
Varley is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Færlic, meaning "fearful" or "cautious". It is primarily found in the Yorkshire region of England, particularly in areas such as Leeds, Bradford, and Huddersfield.
History
The surname Varley is believed to have originated in the West Yorkshire region, where the Varley family has a long history dating back to medieval times. Variants of the surname include Varly, Varlie, and Varleigh.
During the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries, many Varleys were involved in the textile and mining industries in Yorkshire. The surname spread to other parts of England and beyond as people migrated for work opportunities.
Notable People
Benjamin Varley (1780-1873) - An English watercolour painter and astronomer known for his astronomical diagrams and illustrations.
Fred Varley (1881-1969) - A Canadian artist and member of the Group of Seven, known for his landscape paintings and contributions to Canadian art.
Sarah Varley (born 1985) - A British actress known for her work in television dramas and films.
Variants
Variants of the surname Varley include Varly, Varlie, and Varleigh. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged due to different regional accents and dialects.
Heraldry
The Varley family crest features a shield with symbols that typically represent themes such as strength, loyalty, and heritage. The crest may also include elements that reflect the family's origins or profession.
References
- P. H. Reaney, R. M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1991.
- George Redmonds, Names and History: People, Places and Things, Hambledon Continuum, 2004.
There are approximately 6,858 people named Varley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,373rd most common surname in Britain. Around 105 in a million people in Britain are named Varley.
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
- Richard
Female
- Anne
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Faerly
- Fairley
- Fairlie
- Fairly
- Fareley
- Farelly
- Farely
- Farley
- Farlie
- Farly
- Farrelly
- Farrley
- Farrlie
- Farrlley
- Fearley
- Fearly
- Ferley
- Ferly
- Firley
- Firly
- Forley
- Forly
- Frawley
- Furley
- Furly
- Valrey
- Vannerley
- Varaly
- Varela
- Varella
- Varilly
- Varily
- Varla
- Varle
- Varli
- Varly
- Varrally
- Varrily
- Veerley
- Verley
- Verly
- Virley
- Vorley
- Vurley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.