Show ContentsHouseley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Houseley

What does the name Houseley mean?

The ancestors of the name Houseley date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in the settlement of Housley Hall in Ecclesfield in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Early Origins of the Houseley family

The surname Houseley was first found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from medieval times.

Early History of the Houseley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Houseley research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the year 1379 is included under the topic Early Houseley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Houseley Spelling Variations

Houseley 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. Many variations of the name Houseley have been found, including Housely, Houseley, Hously, Housley and others.

Early Notables of the Houseley family

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

Migration of the Houseley family

In 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 Houseleys to arrive on North American shores: Joseph Hously, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1732; Joachim Housely to Philadelphia in 1739; and Joseph Howsley to Philadelphia in 1858.


Contemporary Notables of the name Houseley (post 1700) +

  • Jonathan Houseley, of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology at the University of Edinburgh


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