Langley is an English surname and given name of Old Norse origin, meaning 'from the long meadow'. It was originally a place name, derived from the Old Norse words 'langr' meaning 'long', and 'leah' signifying 'woodland clearing'. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages in England due to its association with families who owned land or lived near such areas. Today, Langley is used as both a surname and a given name, carrying a distinctively English heritage.
The name Langley experienced fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with several spikes in usage occurring around the years 1920, 1962, 2003, and 2013. However, it maintained a consistent level of use throughout most decades, averaging around 5-7 births per year from the 1900s to present day. The highest number of Langley births recorded in a single year was 9, occurring twice (in 1928 and 2019).