This surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational name from any of the various places so called in England - at least fourteen of them - mainly in the southern and central counties. In the Domesday Book of 1086, these places are variously recorded as "Achelei", "Accleia", "Achelan" and "Acle", the derivation being from the Olde English pre 7th Century "ac", oak (tree) and "leah", here meaning "wood" or "forest". Locational names were usually given to the lord of the manor, to the local inhabitants, and especially to those who left their original home places and went to live or work in another town or village.
One, Francis Oakley was an early settler in America, being listed as a resident of the Parish of St. Michael's in Barbados in 1678. An interesting namebearer was Octavius Oakley (1800 - 1867), a water-colour painter who exhibited at the Royal Academy, 1826 - 1860, and was a member of the Society of Painters in Water-colours, 1844. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Hervey de Ocle, which was dated 1199, witness, in the "Assize Rolls of Staffordshire", during the reign of King Richard 1, known as "Richard the Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. 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 oakley is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of oakley. Research into the possible origins of oakley leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.
It is common for surnames like oakley to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that oakley 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 oakley is most abundant are the following.
The historical journey of the surname oakley can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of oakley. 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 oakley are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname oakley, 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 oakley could be modified.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all oakleys 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 oakley, even though not all have been documented to our present day.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname oakley. The bibliography collects information related to the surname oakley, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of oakley, and at the same time, of surnames in general.