Summary

The surname 'Harley' has English origins and is derived from a place name. It is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'hara', meaning 'hare', and 'leah', meaning 'wood' or 'clearing'. This suggests that the surname may have been used to identify someone who lived near a hare-infested woodland, or perhaps a person who exhibited qualities associated with a hare, such as speed or agility.
There are
12186
Harleys in the USA
Harley is the
2943rd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Harley

SirHenry

Sir Henry Harley was a British military officer and diplomat who served as the Governor of Gibraltar from 1926 to 1930.

WilliamS.

William S. Harley was one of the co-founders of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company, which became one of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world.

RobertHarley,

Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, was a prominent British statesman and leader of the Tory Party during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

BonnieParker

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were American criminals and outlaws known for their involvement in a series of violent robberies during the Great Depression.

MargotRobbie

Margot Robbie is an Australian actress who rose to fame for her roles in films like 'The Wolf of Wall Street' and 'Suicide Squad.'

PeterCushing

Peter Cushing was an English actor known for his iconic roles in horror films, particularly his portrayal of Baron Frankenstein and Van Helsing in the Hammer Horror films.

HarleyGranville-Barker

Harley Granville-Barker was an English actor, playwright, and theater director who played a key role in the development of modern British theater in the early 20th century.

MargoHarshman

Margo Harshman is an American actress known for her roles in TV shows like 'NCIS' and 'The Big Bang Theory.'

MargaretHamilton

Margaret Hamilton was an American actress known for her iconic role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz.'

AlexanderHarley

Alexander Harley was a Scottish physician and anatomist who made significant contributions to the field of obstetrics and gynecology.

Harley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Harley' has English origins and is derived from the Old English personal name 'Hærleifr,' which means 'army' and 'heir.' The name was originally a patronymic surname, meaning it was based on the name of an ancestor.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Harley' is most commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Harley' include 'Harleigh,' 'Herley,' 'Harly,' and 'Hareley.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration patterns of people with the surname 'Harley' are primarily related to individual or familial choices rather than large-scale migration events.