Surname Roley - Meaning and Origin
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Roley: What does the surname Roley mean?
The last name "Roley" does not have a clearly documented meaning, deriving most likely from an occupational or locational origin. Origins of surnames are typically based on a person's job, the location they lived in, or a significant individual in their life. Based on these principles, "Roley" could possibly be tied to a profession such as "roll maker" or "roller" which denotes a person who uses rollers in printing or baking. It may also be locational, originating from a place known for a specific landmark or element.
In the English language, the word "roley" is used to describe a children's game that involves rolling off a mound or small hill. This could suggest an origin related to playful or joyful attributes. However, without solid historical evidence, this is just conjecture.
Many records of the Roley surname can be found in England and the United States. The distribution of the surname suggests it may be of British origin. As with many surnames, the true meaning and origin can often be lost to history.
Order DNA origin analysisRoley: Where does the name Roley come from?
The last name Roley is primarily associated with Ireland and England, although it can be found throughout the world today. In Ireland, it is particularly common in County Galway, where records of the name dating back at least to 1600. Roley has also appeared in England, especially in London and Yorkshire. The surname is thought to derive from an old law term meaning 'red-haired', and it appears in records from the 1600s in relation to men of that description.
In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida. It appears to have arrived there in the 1700s with people from Ireland, England, and even possibly Germany. In South Carolina, it is especially prominent in Liebertown, where the family de Cheyne Roley maintained a prosperous estate in the 19th century.
In Australia, the last name Roley is most commonly found in Victoria. It appears in records from 1853, with the family appearing to have arrived in the Gold Rush period. In New Zealand, it is still relatively uncommon, although records can be found from as early as 1840.
In general, the last name Roley has been maintained in families of Irish, English, German, American, and Australian backgrounds. It is also evident in South America, particularly Brazil, where the original settlers are believed to have been of Irish and German descent.
Variations of the surname Roley
The Roley surname has been spelt in a variety of ways in accordance with the region where a branch of the family lived. Variants, spellings and other surnames of the same origin include: Rawley, Rawleigh, Raley, Ralley, Raliegh, Rauley, Rauleigh, Rollie, Rolla, Rollo, Rolly, Rowley, Rowly, Rouley, Rouleigh, Rowlie, Rowla, Rowlo, Rowlow and Rolli.
The origin of the Roley surname is Anglo-Saxon. It derives from a place name comprising two elements, which are ‘hrof’ and ‘leah’. The former translates to ‘clearing in a wood or meadow’ while the latter means ‘wood or glade’. The two elements together form the meaning ‘clearing in a wood or meadow’. The Roley surname is unique in that while other Irish and English surnames have strong ties to either one or the other, the Roley surname has strong ties to both countries.
The Roley surname has a long and distinguished history. It is thought to have originated in the 8th Century, when a Norseman named Rollo settled in northern France and became the first Duke of Normandy in 911. His descendents then spread throughout France with some of them settling in the British Isles, in particular, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland.
The Roley surname is still found in Ireland, England and Scotland today. It is also found in a number of other countries, as members of the family have since emigrated, including the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.
Famous people with the name Roley
- Paul Roley: Atlantic Records executive.
- Lauren Roley: artist, singer, songwriter, and producer.
- Brett Roley: former professional basketball player.
- Bob Roley: NHL Hall of Fame hockey player.
- Bill Roley: deceased actor who appeared in several television shows and movies.
- Darnell Roley: former professional football player.
- Douglas Roley: professional surfer.
- Ernie Roley: deceased NASCAR driver.
- Jackie Roley: professional beach volleyball player.
- Jay Roley: former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Lindsay Roley: actress best known for her role in the series North Shore.
- Paul Roley Jr.: ghostwriter, musician, and producer.
- Sam Roley: professional kickboxer.
- Scott Roley: author, artist, and filmmaker.
- Stuart Roley: artist, musician, and producer.
- William Roley: actor best known for starring in the movie The Crooked Man.