Greely

Meaning

One from a grassy clearing or meadow, or descendant of someone named Greely.

Etymology

Derived from Old English elements 'gre' or 'gree' (grass, green) combined with 'ley' or 'lea' (clearing, meadow). The surname indicates topographic origin from a grassy open area.

About the Greely Surname

A topographic surname referring to a grassy clearing or meadow. The name has historical prominence in American exploration and journalism.

Distribution

Found in England, Scotland, and North America.

Notable Bearers

Adolphus Greely (American Arctic explorer), Horace Greeley (American newspaper editor and politician)

People with the Greely Surname