This unusual name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and a locational surname from the place in Northumberland near Mitford called Espley. The placename appears as "Espeley" in the Northumberland Book of Fees of 1242, and is recorded as "Aspele" in the 1252 Pipe Rolls of the county. The name is derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century "aespe", aspen (tree), with "leah", thin wood, copse, glade, hence "the aspen wood". Locational surnames were acquired by the lord of the manor, and local landowners, and especially by those former inhabitants of a place who had moved to another area, usually in search of work, and who were thereafter best identified by the name of their birthplace.
Recordings from English Church Registers include: the christening of George, son of William Espley, on June 26th 1625, at Prees, Shropshire; the marriage of Joane Espley and Rondle Mullin on April 25th 1637, at Mucklestone, Staffordshire; and the marriage of Thomas Espley and Katherine Wood on May 30th 1745, at Manchester Cathedral, Lancashire. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Aspley, which was dated June 30th 1571, marriage to Alis Grennell or Greuuell, at St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, London, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1, known as "Good Queen Bess", 1558 - 1603. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname espley is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of espley. Research into the possible origins of espley leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of espley.
It is common for surnames like espley to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that espley has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where espley is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname espley can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of espley. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named espley are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname espley.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname espley, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of espley could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all espleys who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname espley, even though not all have been documented to our present day. If you or someone you know bears the surname espley, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname espley who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname espley. The bibliography collects information related to the surname espley, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of espley.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of espley, and at the same time, of surnames in general.