Everything about the name MORLEY
Meaning, origin, history
The name Morley is derived from an Old English word, "Moor-leah," which refers to a clearing or meadow on the moor. This name has been associated with various locations throughout England, including Morley, a town located near Leeds in West Yorkshire. The town was once known for its textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
The surname Morley is believed to have originated from a family who lived near a moorland or meadow, as indicated by the Old English word "leah." Over time, this name has become associated with several notable figures in history and culture.
One of the most famous bearers of the Morley name was Samuel Morley (1804-1886), an English banker, philanthropist, and reformer. He was known for his strong principles and commitment to social causes, including improving working conditions for factory workers during the Victorian era.
Another notable figure with the surname Morley is John Morley (1837-1923), a British journalist, historian, and statesman. He served as Chief Secretary for Ireland and later as Secretary of State for India under Prime Minister William Gladstone. Morley was also a prominent author and historian, known for his works on British politics and history.
In literature, the name Morley is associated with Wilfred Morley (1895-1974), an English novelist who wrote under the pen name "Wilfred Ewart." He gained fame for his historical novels set in England during various periods of its history.
The name Morley has also been used as a given name, particularly in recent years. It is often chosen by parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their children. The name Morley can be spelled in various ways, such as Morlie, Morleigh, or Morlee, but the most common spelling remains Morley.
In conclusion, the name Morley is of English origin, derived from Old English words meaning "moor" and "clearing." It has been associated with several notable figures throughout history and culture, including Samuel Morley and John Morley. Today, it is often chosen as a given name by parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
See also
Popularity of the name MORLEY since 1880
Birth evolution
Popularity analysis
The name Morley has seen a varied level of popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were 7 babies named Morley in both 1925 and 2010. This indicates that the name experienced a resurgence in popularity around the year 2010 after having been less common in the intervening years.
In recent times, the name Morley has maintained a steady level of usage, with 5 births each year between 2011 and 2014, and again in 2022. However, there was a notable increase to 8 births in 2021, suggesting that the name may be experiencing another wave of popularity.
Overall, since 1925, there have been a total of 42 babies named Morley born in the United States. This demonstrates that while Morley may not be one of the most popular names, it has maintained a consistent presence among baby names over time.