Surname Gurley. - Meaning and Origin
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Gurley.: What does the surname Gurley. mean?
The last name Gurley is of English and Irish origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Old English word "gore," which means "weir" or "ditch," and the Old English word "leah," which means "clearing or meadow." Consequently, the name is likely to have referred to a worker or dweller at such a place. In some cases, the name may have been derived from the Old English word "gyril," which refers to a temple concubine. It is also an Anglicized version of the German surname Goehring, as many of these German settlers immigrated to England in the early 17th century.
In present times, the name Gurley is derived as a habitational name from any of the various places named with the above elements. In the United Kingdom, there is an example of a place called Goreley Hill in Shropshire, England. In the United States, one of the earliest known bearers of the name was Joseph Gurley who settled in the state of Virginia in the 17th century.
The last name Gurley is found mainly in the United Kingdom, but it is also found in other countries, particularly the United States and Canada. As of 2020, it is estimated that there are between 5,000 and 6,000 individuals bearing the Gurley surname in the world.
Order DNA origin analysisGurley.: Where does the name Gurley. come from?
The last name Gurley is most commonly found in the United States. It is not a particularly rare name and is estimated to be used by roughly 3,500 to 4,000 individuals in the country. It is believed to have originated in Scotland, homeland of many early settlers in the United States. Today, the name is mainly associated with those living in the country’s southeastern region, especially the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Outside the US, the last name is not as popular but can still be found in other parts of the world, especially within the Commonwealth. Creative spelling variations, such as Gurlay, Gurlely, and Girley, can also be seen in some countries.
Those who have this last name are often believed to have a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility. Over the centuries, many Gurleys have made meaningful contributions in fields such as politics, the arts, and science. In recent years, popular figures with the surname include the American actress Julianne Gurley and Adam Gurley, founder of a branding consultancy in the UK.
Variations of the surname Gurley.
The surname Gurley is an English patronymic surname meaning "son of Gower". It is derived from the Old English personal name Gower. Variants of this surname include:
Gowerly - Also spelled Gourley, Gourlay, or Gowrlay. This was an old Anglo-Saxon personal name, possibly derived from the Old Norse name Góðr-laugr.
Gowrie - An anglicized version of the Gaelic name Goibhle, it can be found with multiple spellings, including Guwerie, Guery, Gury, Govers, Gowers, Goury, Gourlay, Gorrie, Gorrey, and Gory.
Gorely - This was another Old German name, derived from the Old German personal name 'Gori'.
Gorley - An Americanized spelling of the original, English surname.
Goverley - This is an evolution of the Anglo-Saxon name Gofer.
Gourley - This variant of the original, English surname emerged when forms of 'Gower' were further anglicized.
Gowler - Found with multiple spellings, including Gollar or Gowler. This variant can be traced back to a local surname from the village of Gowbarrow, Cumbria, England.
Gurlay - This is another spelling of Gourley.
All of these variations of the Gurley surname trace their origin to the Old English personal name Gower, meaning 'Someone who lives in or near a sloping hillside'.
Famous people with the name Gurley.
- David Gurley: Actor and playwright known for his work as a classical narrator and modern staged reader.
- Aaron Gurley: Professional basketball player for the American G League’s Texas Legends.
- Zac Gurley: American painter and mixed-media artist.
- Ernie Gurley: Former NFL linebacker who played for the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts.
- Russellville Gurley: Professional high jumper who represented the United States at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Athletics
- Blake Gurley: Actor known for his roles in television shows such as “The O.C.” and “Arrested Development”.
- Dr. Clark T. Gurley: Scientist and professor of biochemistry at the University of California, Davis.
- Alba Francesca Gurley: Singer and actress who was a member of the pop group Bubblegum Crisis.
- Brandi Gurley: Olympic freestyle wrestler who won the gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Championships.
- Ryan Gurley: Professional race car driver and the five-time winner of the ARCA Series.