Palley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

Etymology of Palley

What does the name Palley mean?

The origins of the Palley 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 Palley family

The surname Palley 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 Palley family

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

Palley Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Palley were recorded, including Paley, Pailey, Palley, Pallie, Pailley, Pailie and many more.

Early Notables of the Palley family

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

Palley migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Palley family emigrate to North America:

Palley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Palley, a bonded passenger, who arrived in Virginia in 1726

Sources +

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