Brindley is a surname of British origin, deriving from Old Norse elements 'brand' meaning 'fire' and 'ley' referring to a clearing or meadow. The name was initially borne by someone who lived near such an area marked by fire or perhaps by someone who worked with fire in their profession, like a blacksmith. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be Brindlay, which appeared in the poll tax rolls of Yorkshire in 1379. Today, Brindley remains a unique surname, often associated with the canal engineer James Brindley who designed and built many canals during the 18th century, contributing significantly to the development of Britain's waterway network. As a given name, Brindley is less common but still present, often chosen for its distinctive sound and historical associations.
"The name Brindley experienced varied popularity over time, with peaks in recent years."