TheNameDBWOOLSEY
TopographicMeaning
A person who lived in a place associated with wool or a wool worker's settlement.
Etymology
Derived from Old English 'wull' (wool) combined with 'ey' or 'sey' meaning island or settlement. The surname indicates either an occupational origin or residence in a wool-related community.
About the WOOLSEY Surname
An English topographic or occupational surname with strong American colonial roots. The name appears in historical records primarily in northeastern United States.
Distribution
Found in England and North America, with notable presence in New York and New England.
Notable Bearers
Sarah Woolsey (Susan Coolidge), various American historical figures