Walley

Overview: Walley is an English surname with origins dating back to the medieval period. The etymology of the surname is believed to derive from the Old English word "wealh", meaning foreigner or Briton. It was likely used as a name for someone who was perceived as an outsider or stranger.

History: The surname Walley was first recorded in Staffordshire, England, with early instances found in parish records and historical documents dating to the 16th century. Over the centuries, families bearing the Walley surname spread across various regions of England, particularly in the Midlands.

Variants: Variants of the Walley surname include Wally, Wallie, and Walleye. These variations may have arisen due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling changes, or individual family preferences.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Walley (1784-1856): An English artist known for his landscape paintings that captured the beauty of the British countryside.
  • Hannah Walley (1920-2003): Renowned for her work as a social reformer and advocate for women's rights in 20th century Britain.

Legacy: The Walley surname continues to be passed down through generations, with descendants residing in various parts of the United Kingdom and around the world. Some individuals bearing the Walley name have achieved notable accomplishments in fields such as art, literature, and politics.

References:

  1. P.H. Reaney and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.
  2. C.W. Bardsley, English Surnames: Their Sources and Significations, Chatto & Windus, 1875.

There are approximately 2,140 people named Walley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,960th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Walley.

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
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Debbie
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jean
  • Jennifer
  • Joan
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • 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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