Ley

Topographic

Meaning

A resident of a clearing, meadow, or arable land.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'leah' or Middle English 'ley' meaning a clearing or meadow. The term was commonly used in place names throughout England and became a surname for those living in such locations.

About the Ley Surname

A common English topographic surname indicating residence in a clearing or meadow. The name has numerous variants due to spelling variations in medieval records.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 15,000 bearers in the United States #908 most common surname
Rare Common

Found throughout England and English-speaking countries, with variants in German-speaking regions.

Ley Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

David J. Ley (Canadian politician) Timothy Ley (academic)

People with the Ley Surname

August Ley

Dr.