Contents [hide]

Hanley History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables Ranking

United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Citations

Hanley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

When the ancestors of the Hanley family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Hawley, Somerset. The most probable derivation of this name suggests that it comes from the Old Norman word haugr, which means mound, and the Old English leah, which means clearing. Another derivation supported by some examples suggests that the name indicates tat the name is an Anglicized version of the place-name La Haule-De-Bec in Greteuil, Normandy. 1

Early Origins of the Hanley family

The surname Hanley was first found in Somerset, where Warin de Haulla is mentioned in 1154 and in 1165, he held a barony of eight fees in Devon. 2

Later in Yorkshire, Robert de Hallai was listed in 1166. And later again, John Hally was found in the Pipe Rolls of Derbyshire in 1230. 3

It is from this latter entry that the famed astronomer Edmund Halley (1656-1742) hailed. While he was born in London, his rich father was "a member of a good Derbyshire family, had a soap-boiling establishment in Winchester Street in the city of London." 4

Turning the clock back again, we found the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had the following entries for the family: William de Hallee, Gloucestershire; John de Hally, Derbyshire; William de Hally, Derbyshire; and John Hally, Derbyshire. 5

Indeed, "Derbyshire seems to be the home of the Halleys. " 5

The same source claims the "Haleys of Yorkshire are a different stock, but I cannot identify the locality whence they are sprung." 5

And he goes on to note that Petrus Haley, Oxfordshire was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 and that Johannes de Haylay and Willelmus Havlay were listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 5

In our opinion, making such a distinction of names that phonetically sound the same but have small spelling differences is often incongruent. Moreover, none of the other sources make this claim.

Further to the north in Scotland, the records of the family are late. "William Hally in Perth, 1666, John Hally, portioner of Balbrogo, 1700. Seventeen persons of this name are recorded in the Dunblane Commissariot Record from 1602. " 6

But this same authority postulates that the name may also be "from Hailey in Deerness, Orkney. Thomas Halle, tacksman there, 1509." 6

Early History of the Hanley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanley research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1340, 1350, 1374, 1390, 1393, 1394, 1401, 1402, 1404, 1408, 1509, 1511, 1557, 1603, 1629, 1644, 1645, 1646, 1650, 1656, 1673, 1679, 1684, 1690, 1694, 1695, 1702, 1705, 1716, 1719, 1742, 1743, 1759, 1772, 1790 and 1868 are included under the topic Early Hanley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hanley Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Hanley has been recorded under many different variations, including Hawley, Hawly and others.

Early Notables of the Hanley family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was John Hawley (Hauley) (c.1340 or 1350-1408), Mayor of Dartmouth on fourteen occasions between 1374 and 1401 and elected MP for Dartmouth in 1390, 1393, 1394, and 1402, both a merchant and licensed privateer, conducted a number of naval operations in the English Channel and briefly held the post of deputy to the Admiral of England under Henry IV, organized the defense of Dartmouth in 1404 against an attack by a Breton fleet, which culminated in the battle of Blackpool Sands; Joseph Hawley (1603-1690), born in Parwich, Derbyshire, first settler of the surname in...
Another 165 words (12 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hanley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hanley Ranking

In the United States, the name Hanley is the 1,850^th most popular surname with an estimated 17,409 people with that name. 7 However, in Australia, the name Hanley is ranked the 941^st most popular surname with an estimated 4,202 people with that name. 8

Hanley migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Hanleys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Hanley Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Robert Hanley, who arrived in Maryland in 1648 9
Thomas Hanley, who sailed to Maryland in 1685

Hanley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

William Hanley, who sailed to North Carolina in 1701
Stophel Hanley, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1759 9

Hanley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

I Hanley, who landed in America in 1805 9
Thomas Hanley, who arrived in Kentucky in 1811 9
John H Hanley, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1812 9
Mathew Hanley, aged 47, who arrived in New York in 1812 9
Mary Hanley, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hanley migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hanley Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Hanley, aged 30, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Charity" from Kinsale, Ireland
Richard Hanley, aged 30, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Forth" in 1833
Rose Hanley, aged 28, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Forth" in 1833
Mrs. Ann Hanley, aged 33 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Saguenay" departing from the port of Cork, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in September 1847 10
Miss. Catherine Hanley, aged 3 who immigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Caithness-shire" departing from the port of Belfast, Ireland but died on Grosse Isle in June 1847 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hanley migration to Australia +

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

Hanley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr.William Hanley, (b. 1781), aged 38, Irish gardener who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Bencoolen" on 24th April 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia before being transferred to Tasmania via the "Admiral Cockburn" 11
Mr. Thady Hanley, (Timothy), (b. 1802), aged 18, Irish labourer who was convicted in Roscommon, Ireland for life for sedition, transported aboard the "Dorothy" on 5th May 1820, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1870 12
Mr. Edward Hanley, (b. 1793), aged 35, Irish ploughman who was convicted in County Tipperary, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Borodino" on 11th February 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. James Hanley, (b. 1798), aged 30, Irish ploughman who was convicted in County Tipperary, Ireland for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Borodino" on 11th February 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. John Hanley, (Hanly), Irish convict who was convicted in Limerick, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Borodino" on 11th February 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hanley migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hanley Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. Matthias Hanley, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir George Pollock" arriving in Bluff, Southland, South Island, New Zealand in January 1863 14
Mrs. Mary Hanley, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir George Pollock" arriving in Bluff, Southland, South Island, New Zealand in January 1863 14
Miss Isabella Hanley, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Sir George Pollock" arriving in Bluff, Southland, South Island, New Zealand in January 1863 14
John Hanley, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Alfred" in 1864 15
Rosanna Hanley, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Andrew Jackson" in 1865
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Hanley (post 1700) +

Bridget Ann Elizabeth Hanley (1941-2021), American actress, known for her starring and supporting roles in the Western dramedy Here Come the Brides and her starring role in Harper Valley PTA as Wanda Reilly Taylor
Lynne Hanley (b. 1943), American feminist author and literary critic
Richard Dennis Hanley (b. 1936), American silver medalist swimmer at the 1956 Summer Olympics
Richard Edgar "Dick" Hanley (1894-1970), American football player and coach
Daniel P. Hanley A.C.E. (b. 1955), American Academy Award winning film editor, best known for his work in Apollo 13 (1995)
Bridget Ann Elizabeth Hanley (b. 1941), American actress, known for her roles in Here Come the Brides and her starring role in Harper Valley PTA
William "Bo" Hanley (1891-1954), American professional football head coach of the Kenosha Maroons in 1924
Bill Hanley, American sound behind the Woodstock festival in Bethel, New York in August 1969
Brigadier-General Thomas James Jr. Hanley (1893-1969), American Chief of Military Personnel Procurement Service (1948-) 16
William Hanley (b. 1931), American playwright and novelist
... (Another 18 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Hanley family +

Grover Shoe factory

Mr. P. J. Hanley (b. 1863), American employee of the Grover Shoe factory in Brockton, Massachusetts on 20th March 1905 when the boiler exploded and collapsed the wooden building; he survived 17

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Patrick Peter Hanley, Irish 3rd Class passenger from Lisnagry, County Limerick, Ireland, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 18

SS Atlantic

Mr. John Hanley, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
Mary Hanley, Irish traveler aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
Mr. Michael Hanley, British traveler who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking
Mr. Patrick Hanley, Irish traveler aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
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)
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 31)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bencoolen
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 12th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/dorothy
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Borodino
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Archives New Zealand Micro 5019. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Alfred. Retrieved from http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ourstuff/Alfred1864.htm
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, March 5) Thomas Hanley. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Hanley/Thomas_James_Jr./USA.html
California Digital Newspaper from 21st March 1905 (retrieved on 5th August 2021.) Retrieved from https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=SFC19050321.2.19&e=-------en--20--1--txt-txIN--------1
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/