The origins of the Pailey 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.
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Early Origins of the Pailey family
The surname Pailey 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
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Early History of the Pailey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Pailey research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1101, 1379, 1455, 1487 and 1591 are included under the topic Early Pailey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Pailey Spelling Variations
Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Pailey have been found, including Paley, Pailey, Palley, Pallie, Pailley, Pailie and many more.
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Early Notables of the Pailey family
More information is included under the topic Early Pailey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Pailey family
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Pailey, or a variant listed above: 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.
England
