The name Everlee is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in either of the settlements called Everley in Wiltshire or the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Everlee belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.
The surname Everlee was first found in North Yorkshire at Everley or at Everleigh in Wiltshire. Both are rather old villages. Everley in Yorkshire dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as Eurelai [1] and Everleigh in Wiltshire dates back further to Saxon times when it was listed as Eburleagh. Both have similar origins in that they both literally mean "wood or clearing frequented by wild boars," from the Old English words "eofar" + "leah." [2]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Everlee research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1268, 1511, 1586, 1554 and 1554 are included under the topic Early Everlee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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. Everlee has been spelled many different ways, including Everley, Eveleigh, Eveley, Evelley, Everlie and others.
Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Everlee Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Everlee family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Everlees to arrive in North America: Katherine Everley who settled in Virginia in 1654; Simon Everley settled in Philadelphia in 1753.