Origin of the surname Westley

This long-established surname is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational name from any of the various places in England named with the Olde English pre 7th Century "west", west (a widespread element in placenames), and "leah, leage", usually translating as "grove, glade, clearing in a wood", though the specialized sense of "water meadow" or "low-lying meadow" is also found. Places thus named include: Westley, a parish in West Suffolk, recorded as "Westlea" in the Domesday Book of 1086; two hamlets called Westley in Shropshire, and one near Winchester in Hampshire; also Westley (Waterless) near Newmarket in Cambridgeshire, entered as "Westle" in Anglo-Saxon Wills Records, dated 1043.

Places called Westleigh in Devonshire, Wiltshire, Somerset and Lancashire, are also named from the same elements. Locational surnames, such as this, were originally given to local landowners, and the lord of the manor, and especially as a means of identification to those who left their birthplace to settle elsewhere. Early examples of the surname include: Adam de Westeleg (Lancashire, 1242), and Richard de Westleye (Warwickshire, 1332). On September 27th 1563, Elinor, daughter of Edward Westley, was christened at Bubbenhall, Warwickshire. A Coat of Arms granted to the Westley family is a silver shield with a chevron between six billets in chief and three crosses crosslet fitchee in base all sable. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Wlmar de Westle, which was dated circa 1095, in "Feudal Documents from the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds", Suffolk, during the reign of King William 11, known as "Rufus", 1087 - 1100. 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 surname Westley. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of westley is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname westley, and in addition to the original locations of westley, we can find out where people with the surname westley can currently be found. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of westley.

The surname Westley around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname westley. The mobility of people carrying the surname westley has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.

History of Westley

The historical chronicle of westley is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname westley are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname westley.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname westley, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname westley or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of westley.

Notable Figures Named Westley

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished westleys throughout human history. A surname like westley can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames. If you or someone you know bears the surname westley, 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 westley who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Westley and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of westley. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname westley, as well as many other surnames. 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 westley.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of westley, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Westley