Summary

The surname BECKLEY is of English origin and is derived from a place called Beckley, which means 'beehive clearing'. It has a rich history and is associated with agricultural and rural communities.
There are
5429
Beckleys in the USA
Beckley is the
6291st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Beckley

JohnBeckley

American politician and journalist known for his role as the first Librarian of the United States Congress. He was instrumental in establishing the Library of Congress and expanding its collections.

AlfredBeckley

American soldier, politician, and explorer who founded the city of Beckley in West Virginia. He served as a brigadier general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War.

SteveBeckley

Entrepreneur and businessman who co-founded the popular tourist attraction The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in West Virginia. He played a significant role in promoting West Virginia's coal mining heritage.

HoraceBeckley

British mathematician and physicist known for his contributions to the field of quantum mechanics. He formulated the Beckley-Hawking equation, which describes the behavior of subatomic particles.

EmilyBeckley

American suffragette and women's rights activist who fought for gender equality and voting rights during the early 20th century. She played a crucial role in organizing protests and advocating for legislative reforms.

Beckley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Beckley has English origins and is derived from the Old English words 'beo', meaning 'bee', and 'leah', meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow'. It likely originated as a locational surname referring to someone who lived near a clearing or meadow frequented by bees.
Geographic DistributionThe surname Beckley is primarily found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname Beckley include Beckly and Beckleye.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Beckley have occurred throughout history. Significant waves of migration and immigration took place during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly from England to the United States, Canada, and Australia. Reasons for migration and immigration include seeking economic opportunities, escaping religious persecution, and pursuing a better quality of life.