Surname Handly - Meaning and Origin
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Handly: What does the surname Handly mean?
The surname Handly is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from an ancient English personal name. It likely traces back to the Old English term "hand-leah" which means "high clearing". Traditionally, surnames referred to geographical locations, professions, or personal characteristics, so it's possible the name referred to families living in high clearings or elevated open spaces. Alternatively, it could also have been a nickname for someone known for using their hands effectively, possibly pointing towards a skilled manual worker. However, like many old names that have evolved over centuries, the exact original meaning of Handly is not completely certain. Though modern spellings include Handley, Handly, Hanley and others, all are considered to be variations of the same original surname.
Order DNA origin analysisHandly: Where does the name Handly come from?
The last name Handly is of Anglo-Saxon origin and was first found in Yorkshire, England. Its first recorded spelling, under its original form of "Handley", was in 1280. The name Handly could have several potential origins. It may have developed from the Old English "hand" and "leah", meaning a clearing in the woods, referring to a geographical feature near where the original bearers lived. Alternatively, it could be a derivative of the Old Norse name “Hundley”, meaning the enclosure of Hundi.
Today, the name Handly is most common in the United States, where it has been distributed since the earliest colonies in the 17th century. It can also be found in England and other Commonwealth countries such as Australia and Canada, yet to a lesser extent than in the United States. The variants of the name, including Handley, Handeley, and Handlie, are also prevalent in these regions. As with virtually all surnames that originated from ancient English culture, the Handly family was found to be influential during the Middle Ages within the region of Yorkshire, where they were recorded as a family of great antiquity.
Variations of the surname Handly
The surname Handly is primarily of English origin and may have originated from a place, profession, or personal name. It can be spelled in a variety of ways and have various derivatives.
Common variants of the name include Handley, Handeley, Handlie, Handleigh, and Handeigh. Spelling variants could be a result of phonetic spellings from non-standardized spelling practices in earlier centuries.
The Handley variant is especially common and can be found in both England and America. Handlie is less common but also exists. Some less common spelling variants include Handerly and Handlly.
There are also variants based on additional suffixes or prefixes. For example, the surnames O'Handley or McHandley might be derived from Handly, particularly in Ireland where prefixing 'O' or 'Mc' to surnames was a common practice.
In terms of related surnames, sometimes names with similar meanings or origins are considered. For example, Handy could potentially be related, being another occupational surname, indicating a person's work with hands.
It's important to note that spelling and variant details can significantly vary based on geographic location, historical era, and individual family history. Therefore, genealogical or historical research may be necessary to identify all potential variants or related surnames for a specific family line.
Famous people with the name Handly
There are not many famous people with the last name 'Handly'. One figure of relative significance is Taylor Handley. An American actor, Taylor is best known for his television roles in ‘The O.C.’ and ‘Vegas.’ Equally, he has appeared in various films, including ‘Phantom of the Megaplex’ and ‘Chasing Mavericks’. Another person with the last name 'Handly' is Lesley Handly, President of PepsiCo Global Snacks Group and PepsiCo Americas Foods. She is a successful businesswoman and is recognized in the corporate sector. One should also note Willie Handly, an American football player who played for the University of Alabama. His role in the team contributed significantly to their win in the 1986 Sun Bowl. Relatively less known, but of some significance, are John Handly, founder of Handly Law Office, and Melissa Handly, a San Francisco-based artist, respectively. Please note that the spelling 'Handly' is relatively rare and as such does not comprise many famous figures. You may have better results looking for the more common spelling, 'Handley'.
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Comments or additions to the name "Handly"
25.01.2024
I am Nicholas Handly son of Robert.of America from Brooklyn N.Y