Surname Methley - Meaning and Origin
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Methley: What does the surname Methley mean?
The last name Methley is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the place name Methley in Yorkshire, England. The name is composed of Old English elements, 'mecg' meaning ‘family’ or ‘kin’, and ‘leah’ meaning ‘wood’ or ‘clearing’. Therefore, the classic interpretation of the name is ‘family or kin in the wood or clearing’. The name originated as a habitation name for someone who lived in the Methley area, as the British Isles began to see the implementation of fixed surnames in the 13th century.
The Methleys are thought to have been living in the Methley area since the late 12th century. By the 14th century, the family had become one of the most prominent families in the West Riding of Yorkshire. During the 16th century, the Methleys had a strong influence in local government and have since been important figures in the town of Methley for centuries.
Today, the surname Methley is still in use in both England and the United States. Those who bear the name are usually descendents of original Methley families, such as The Baron Methley, notable 19th century British diplomat. The name Methley is a reminder of families who have evolved and contributed to their local communities throughout history.
Order DNA origin analysisMethley: Where does the name Methley come from?
The surname Methley is most commonly found in England, particularly in the Yorkshire region. According to the 1881 England census, the greatest concentration of the Methley name was found in the towns and cities of Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Bradford, and Wakefield.
Today, the surname Methley is still prevalent in Yorkshire, as evidenced by voting records and phone directories showing a significant number of individuals with the Methley name. Additionally, Methley can be found in other parts of England, such as Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Lincolnshire, and Suffolk.
Aside from England, the surname Methley can also be found in various other parts of the world. For example, in Australia, there is a Methley family from Scarborough, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. There are also a few traces of the Methley name in North America, particularly in the US states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, and New York.
In conclusion, the name Methley is still common today in England, particularly in Yorkshire. At the same time, the name has spread across other parts of the world, particularly in Australia and North America.
Variations of the surname Methley
The various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Methley include Metley, Matley, Metlay, Matlay, Mattley, Metteley, Mattleye, Medli, Mathley, Medlee, Mettley, and Methly, among others. These surnames are derived from a location in England known as Methley, which is located near Leeds in West Yorkshire.
Methley is believed to have been derived from the Old English mǣð and lēah, which translates to “bare clearing” in English. This likely refers to a farm or settlement that was largely devoid of trees or other vegetation.
The most common spelling, Methley, dates back to at least 1086, when it appears in the Domesday Book. This spelling remained in common use throughout the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period.
Other spellings, such as Matley or Medli, are likely a result of the various dialects that were spoken throughout England at this time. However, the vast majority of these spellings can be traced back to Methley.
Overall, the different spellings and surnames of Methley are mostly just alternative versions of the same name. These spellings all refer to people who hail from the same location, which is the small village of Methley in West Yorkshire, England.
Famous people with the name Methley
- Charlotte Methley: British Conservative politician and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords
- John Methley: English footballer who played for clubs such as Birmingham City
- Reverend Thomas Methley: English vicar and noted genealogist
- Leo Methley: American stage and film actor
- Hartley Methley: Canadian icthyologist
- James Methley: British Liberal Party politician and Member of Parliament
- John Methley: English writer and translator who served as private secretary to Robert Cecil
- Lance Methley: English cricketer
- Keith Methley: American baseball player
- Billy Methley: English footballer who played for Barnsley, Rochdale and Doncaster Rovers