Surname Persley - Meaning and Origin

Persley: What does the surname Persley mean?

The last name Persley is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old French word "Personelaes," which means "a little person or individual." This name originally was used to refer to an individual who was small in stature.

In modern times, the last name Persley can also refer to the location where the surname originated. This is because the Anglo-Saxons were an ancient people that originally inhabited certain areas of Northern Europe from around 450 AD to 1066 AD before spreading around England and Wales.

So, the last name Persley could have originated in one of those areas, which would explain its origin as a place name.

The last name Persley could also have been derived from some combination of other surnames, such as Peter, Person, Perle, and even Leroy, which all have similar meanings and could have been combined to form the last name Persley at some point in history.

Overall, the last name Persley has numerous etymological possibilities, but ultimately originates either as a small person's name or as a place name, and may have also derived from other surnames at some point in its history.

Persley: Where does the name Persley come from?

The last name Persley is most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It is also found in other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.

In the UK, Persley is most commonly found in the counties of Devon, Dorset, Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, and Wiltshire. In Devon, it is the 137th most common name, and in Wiltshire it is the 134th. Although there are plenty of Persleys spread around the country, there is a pattern emerging where they are most concentrated.

In the United States, Persley is especially common in Texas and Oklahoma. It is also found in other parts of the country, including California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Persley is more common among black and Latino communities, the result of centuries of migration.

The success of the last name Persley can be traced back to the Middle Ages when Persleys originally settled inEssex around the year 1066. The family remained in the area for centuries afterwards, and many Persleys enjoyed successful careers in business and politics. Some Persleys still call Essex home today, although the majority left for foreign shores centuries ago.

Today, Persley is becoming increasingly rare around the world. Those with the last name seek out each other in an effort to keep the name alive. Persleys are scattered all around the globe, but regardless of the distance and times apart, all can trace back their origin to the same family line.

Variations of the surname Persley

The surname Persley has several variants, spellings and related surnames related to its origin.

Variants of the Persley surname include Parsley, Pusley, Purseley, and Persely. These variations of the Persley surname are merely alternate spellings of the same surname.

Surnames that are believed to have derived from the same origin as Persley include Parslow, Parr, Parselow, Pearson, Pearse and Pirsey. These surnames all share the same root, and some members of these families may be descended from ancestors who changed their name to avoid recurring taxes or military service, or to blend in with the general population.

For instance, the surname Persley is believed to have derived from the Middle English “parsleye” which means little leek. One of the variations of the surname, Pearson, is thought to have been derived from the Middle English name “Piersone” which means "son of Piers". Similarly, Persley is also believed to be derived from English roots that indicate a person who hails from Parish-Ley. This is a place name that is derived from pre-seventh century Old English elements, which can be translated to mean Parish-Leah.

Most of these variant surnames are found predominantly in the British Isles, with some having more focuses on particular regions. For example, the surnames Parsons and Pearsalls are most common in England, while Parsels, Pesce, Prom and other varieties of the Persley surname have their greatest concentrations in Scotland. Regardless of the spelling, members of the Persley family are connected through a common ancestry.

Famous people with the name Persley

• Dan Persley: American professional golfer who competed in two PGA Tours and two Champions Tours.
• Mel Persley: Australian swimmer who competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics.
• Alvin Persley: American former NBA player.
• Gavin Persley: English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for the National League side Altrincham.
• Diarmid Persley: Jamaican jazz musician.
• Rory Persley: British actor and director.
• Nyla Persley: American visual artist.
• Ben Persley: American BMX cyclist who competes nationally and internationally.
• Yona Persley: Israeli-American chef and restaurateur.
• Riccardo Persley: Italian professional football player.

Other surnames

PerslayPersleigh