Pailley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

The origins of the Pailley surname are uncertain. It may have derive from the Middle English words "pale," and "eye," in which case it was likely a nickname which evolved into a name. Or it may come from an Old Scandinavian personal name, "Palle," which was probably originally an ethnic name for someone from Poland.

Early Origins of the Pailley family

The surname Pailley was first found in Yorkshire where the name was first borne as a personal name by a powerful Dane mentioned in the Saxon Chronicle as Pallig A.D. 1101. 1

Early History of the Pailley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pailley research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1101, 1379, 1455, 1487 and 1591 are included under the topic Early Pailley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Pailley Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Pailley has been spelled many different ways, including Paley, Pailey, Palley, Pallie, Pailley, Pailie and many more.

Early Notables of the Pailley family

More information is included under the topic Early Pailley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Pailley family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Pailleys to arrive in North America: Peter Paley, who came to Virginia in 1670; John Palley, a bonded passenger, who arrived in Virginia in 1726; William Paley, who came to Baltimore in 1811.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.