| ![Show Contents]() Akley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England The Anglo-Saxon name Akley comes from the family having resided in a clearing surrounded by oak trees. The surname Akley literally means oak-meadow. 1 The surname Akley is associated with the village of Acle in Norfolk, and the village of Akeley in Buckinghamshire. Early Origins of the Akley familyThe surname Akley was first found in Norfolk or Buckinghamshire. Of the two locations, Akeley (Akely) in Buckinghamshire seems to be the strongest place of origin for the surname. Located "in the union, hundred, and county of Buckingham, 2½ miles (N. by E.) from the town of Buckingham," 2 Akeley has remained small over the years as by the late 1800s, it only had a population of 362. 2 However, the parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Achelei. 3 Some of the family were found in Whitworth, Durham in early years. "According to the Boldon book, this manor was held by Thomas de Acley, by the service of a quarter of a knight's fee." 2 Early History of the Akley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akley research. Another 295 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1500, 1610 and 1769 are included under the topic Early Akley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Akley Spelling VariationsAkley has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Ackley, Acley, Acle, Ackle, Aclie, Acklie, Acly and others. Early Notables of the Akley familyMore information is included under the topic Early Akley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Akley familyIn an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Akleys to arrive on North American shores: Henry Ackerly, who sailed to New Haven, Connecticut in 1640. Also, Nicholas Acly who arrived in Connecticut in 1655; William Ackley in Virginia in 1664.
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
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