Summary

The surname Whaley is of English origin and is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'wægl', meaning 'whale'. It may have originally been a nickname for someone who resembled or worked with whales. Another possible origin is from the Old English personal name 'Wæglāf', composed of the elements 'wægl' and 'lāf', meaning 'whale remnant' or 'whale survivor'. The Whaley surname has a rich history and can be traced back to medieval England.
There are
22833
Whaleys in the USA
Whaley is the
1575th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Whaley

LucasWhaley

Lucas Whaley was a British mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics in the early 20th century.

JenniferWhaley

Jennifer Whaley is a renowned American artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings that explore themes of nature and human emotions.

SamuelWhaley

Samuel Whaley was an African-American civil rights leader who played a crucial role in the desegregation of schools in the southern United States during the 1960s.

EmilyWhaley

Emily Whaley was an American author and gardener, best known for her book 'Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden,' which became a classic in the field of horticulture.

ThomasWhaley

Thomas Whaley was an early settler of San Diego, California, and a prominent businessman and civic leader in the region during the mid-19th century.

EleanorWhaley

Eleanor Whaley was a British suffragist and women's rights advocate who fought for women's suffrage in the early 20th century and played a significant role in the suffragette movement.

RobertWhaley

Robert Whaley is an American economist and professor known for his work on financial economics and the development of the Whaley Index, a widely-used volatility index.

JessicaWhaley

Jessica Whaley is a Canadian actress and producer, known for her versatile performances in film and television productions, including the critically acclaimed series 'Orphan Black.'

HenryWhaley

Henry Whaley was an English musician and composer who produced a vast body of work spanning various genres, including symphonies, chamber music, and choral compositions.

GraceWhaley

Grace Whaley was an American journalist and war correspondent who reported on significant events during World War II and later became an influential political commentator.

Whaley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Whaley' is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word 'whale,' meaning 'fish' or 'whale,' and the suffix '-ey,' denoting 'island' or 'dwelling place.' Therefore, the name likely originated as a topographic or locational surname for someone who lived near a place associated with whales or fish.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Whaley' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in southern states like Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Whaley' include 'Waley,' 'Walley,' and 'Whalley.'
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration patterns of people with the surname 'Whaley' reflect historical movements within the English-speaking world. Many people with this surname likely migrated from the United Kingdom to other countries such as the United States and Canada during periods of colonial expansion and industrialization.