WILEY
Wiley
Wiley is a surname of English and Scottish origin, derived from the medieval given name William, which in turn comes from the Old Norman name Willahelm meaning "desire or will" and "helmet or protection". The surname Wiley is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland.
Origins:
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Wiley dates back to the 13th century, in the Hundred Rolls of 1273 in England. The name has various spellings including Wyley, Wily, and Whyly, reflecting the evolution of spelling conventions over the centuries.
Distribution:
Today, the surname Wiley is found in many parts of the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, through immigration and colonial ties.
Notable People:
- John Wiley (16th century): English academic and theologian.
- Margaret Wiley (1894–1971): Scottish author and poet known for her works depicting rural life.
- Nolan Wiley (b. 1985): British entrepreneur and technology innovator.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Wiley include Wyley, Wyleigh, and Whyly.
Heraldic Features:
The Wiley family crest features a shield with a helm and various symbols denoting aspects of the family's history and values.
References:
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 1,310 people named Wiley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,980th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Wiley.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Angela
- Catherine
- Claire
- Jill
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
- Suzanne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.