Ley

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

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

Notable Bearers

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

People with the Ley Surname