Show ContentsFraley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Fraley belongs to the category of surnames that were derived from nicknames, usually based on a personal or physical characteristic of the initial bearer. In this instance, the name is derived from the Middle High German word "vraelich," which means "happy," or "cheerful." Thus, this surname evolved from a nickname for a merry and cheerful person.

Early Origins of the Fraley family

The surname Fraley was first found in Bavaria, where the name was anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power. They held a family seat at Frolich in Bavaria.

Early History of the Fraley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fraley research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1522, 1650, 1692, 1706, 1787, 1793, 1797, 1800, 1803, 1819, 1821, 1827, 1829, 1845, 1851, 1872, 1873, 1878 and 1879 are included under the topic Early Fraley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fraley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Frolick, Frolich, Froelick, Frolicker, Frohlich, Frohlick, Froelig, Froellich, Froellick, Froehlick and many more.

Early Notables of the Fraley family

Prominent among members of the name Fraley in this period include Eva Margareta Frölich (c.1650-1692), a Swedish mystic, a fortune teller, prophet, visionary and Pietistic writer.The Viennese Fröhlich family of four sisters made significant contributions to music. "The eldest, Nanette (Anna), born Sept. 19, 1793, a pupil of Hummel for the piano, and of Hauss and Siboni for singing, became an excellent artist in both branches. From 1819-54 she was teacher of singing at the Conservatoire of Vienna, where she trained many dramatic and concert singers, since celebrated. She will be always gratefully remembered for having induced F. Schubert to write...
Another 338 words (24 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fraley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fraley Ranking

In the United States, the name Fraley is the 2,552nd most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. 1


United States Fraley migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Fraley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Alexdr Fraley, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1727 2
  • Frederick Fraley, who arrived in North Carolina in 1766 2
  • John Fraley, whose Oath of Allegiance was recorded in Pennsylvania in 1777
  • John Fraley went to Pennsylvania in 1777
Fraley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Maria Fraley went to Philadelphia in 1804
  • Jeremiah Fraley, aged 30, who landed in New York, NY in 1846 2
  • Thomas Fraley immigrated to New Orleans in 1850
  • Patrick Fraley, who settled in Fairfield Co. Ohio in 1856
  • Christian Fraley, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1865 2

Australia Fraley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Fraley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Pat. Fraley, aged 28, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Osceola" 3

Contemporary Notables of the name Fraley (post 1700) +

  • Bradford Fraley (1878-1942), American Olympic fencer
  • Frederick Fraley (1804-1901), American businessman, politician, and civic leader
  • Oscar Fraley (1914-1994), American co-author, with Eliot Ness, of the famous American memoir The Untouchables
  • Henry "Hank" F. Fraley (b. 1977), American football offensive lineman
  • Patrick "Pat" Fraley (b. 1949), American voice actor
  • Robert T Fraley, American who received the 1998 National Medal of Technology as part of a team who pioneered achievements in plant biology and agricultural biotechnology, and was Co-President of the agricultural sector


  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) OSCEOLA / ASCEOLA 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Osceola-Asceola.htm


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