Surname Lindley - Meaning and Origin

iGENEA DNA Test: Unraveling the History of the Lindley Name and Linking Lost Relatives

Undertaking the iGENEA DNA test was a fascinating journey. Unwrapping the historical narrative of my surname - Lindley, and connecting with distant relatives across the globe brought profound insights into my family's past and human lineages overall.

L. Lindley

Lindley: What does the surname Lindley mean?

The last name Lindley is of English origin and is derived from a place name in West Yorkshire. The meaning of “Lindley” is believed to be "lime tree meadow" or "flax meadow", deriving from the Old English elements "linde" (lime tree) or possibly "lin" (flax) and "leah" (woodland clearing or meadow). This moniker was given to those who originally came from this area, thus identifying them as being from "Lindley." Like many surnames originating from place names, it was most likely first used by families who relocated from there to other regions, serving as a form of identification. Across time, as families moved and expanded, the name became more widespread, turning into a surname handed down through generations. Interestingly, the name could also have a slight variation or could be related to the surname "Lindly" meaning ‘from the linden tree meadow’.

Lindley: Where does the name Lindley come from?

The surname Lindley originates from England, specifically from a place called Lindley in West Yorkshire. The name Lindley itself is derived from Old English words 'linde', meaning 'lime' tree, and 'leah', meaning 'a woodland clearing’. The surname thus likely denotes inhabitants living near a lime tree grove. While the name has spread globally due to emigration, it remains most common in England, especially in areas of Yorkshire. Significant numbers can also be found in the United States, Australia, Canada, and South Africa which saw high levels of immigration from England. Today, it is still most prevalent in English-speaking countries.

Variations of the surname Lindley

The surname Lindley comes from English and Swedish roots, referring to people originally from places named Lindley in West Yorkshire or Leicestershire. Alternate spellings of Lindley include Lindleigh, Lindlee, Lindlea, Lindly, and Lynley. These different spellings have arisen from phonetic translations over time and from different regions.

Additionally, there are other related surnames that might have evolved from the same origin or share a common root. One of the common roots is the old Norse "lind," meaning lime or linden tree, and "ley" meaning wood, glade, or clearing. Related names can therefore include Lindl, Lindell, Lindholm, Lindell, Lyndall, and even Lindsay.

Moreover, surnames like Linsley, Linley, or Lindberg might share the base “Lind.” However, caution should be taken in claiming relation solely on the basis of this shared element, as names can often originate separately but still share similar elements due to common linguistic roots.

Nevertheless, the precise relation or common origin of these surnames would require a more extensive genealogical and linguistic analysis. In this case, Lindley and its direct variants primarily indicate English ancestry.

Famous people with the name Lindley

• Phil Lindley: English professional footballer
• Wilton Lindley: American professional basketball player
• Robert Lindley Murray: African-American academic and sociological theorist
• Larry Lindley: American Major League Baseball pitcher
• Alan Lindley: English actor
• Ricky Lindley: American Major League Baseball outfielder
• Richard Lindley: English television and radio journalist
• Denholm Elliott: British actor
• David Lindley: American musician
• Stuart Lindley: English former professional footballer
• Todd Lindley: American professional golfer
• Don Lindley: American Major League Baseball player
• Earl Lindley: American professional basketball player
• Christian Lindley: American farmer and Union Army colonel during the American Civil War
• John Lindley: English botanist and horticulturalist
• Helen Lindley: English singer and actress
• Gerald Lindley: American former professional boxer
• Bearon Lindley: American professional basketball player
• Mark Lindley: American singer and record producer
• Daniel Lindley: English professional footballer

Other surnames

LindlLindlahrLindlarLindlbauerLindleLindleinLindlerLindlmaierLindlmairLindlmeierLindloffLindlohLindlohr