Surname Hiley - Meaning and Origin
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Hiley: What does the surname Hiley mean?
The last name Hiley is an English patronymic surname, meaning that it derives from the given name of a person's father. The given name from which the surname originates can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon name Heah-leah. This name combines the elements heah, which translates to 'high', and leah, which translates to 'meadow'. So when taken together, the name means 'high meadow'.
The name Hiley first appeared in ancient records in the 11th century, when a man named Ancton Hiley was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is believed that the surname is most commonly found in the areas of Cheshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, and Worcestershire. This means that the name Hiley has Celtic, Anglican, and Norman roots and could have been adopted by a variety of families from different cultures as they migrated through Britain.
The name Hiley is likely to have been given to someone who lived near or owned a hill or meadow and could refer to someone's physical features, such as a tall or strong stature. This name could also represent a person's occupation. Back in these early times, people with the same surname likely had the same trade. It is possible that people with this surname were farmers or landowners.
The name Hiley reflects the family's ancestry and carries with it hundreds of years of history behind it. The meaning behind the name speaks of a proud family heritage that has been passed down for centuries.
Order DNA origin analysisHiley: Where does the name Hiley come from?
The last name Hiley is not especially common today, though there are some areas where it can more regularly be found. In the United States, the greatest concentration of individuals with the last name Hiley is in Ohio, followed by Indiana, California, Michigan, and other midwestern states. In the United Kingdom, Hiley is more common in certain parts of England, particularly Norfolk, but there is also a presence in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Elsewhere in the world, most Hiley family members can be found in Canada, particularly in Ontario. Smaller populations can also be found in Australia and New Zealand, due mainly to historical migration patterns, and in South Africa, most likely due to economic opportunities in the area. It is possible to find individuals with the last name scattered across continental Europe and in areas of Asia.
The Hiley family is estimated to hold about 20,000 members worldwide, meaning it is far less common than many other surnames. Many members of the Hiley family have strong ties that run through multiple generations, allowing them to keep track of their heritage. There has also been an effort in recent years to identify possible connections between members of the Hiley family as more resources are devoted to genealogical research.
Variations of the surname Hiley
The surname Hiley is an English and Irish surname of Olde English, Welsh and Gaelic origins. This surname has various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Heeley, Heley, Hillie, Hilley, Hyley, Heely and Healy.
The earliest records of Hiley come from the town of Aughton, located in Lancashire, England, during the 12th century. This first recorded spelling of the surname was listed as 'Hely', which was noted in the Subsidy Rolls of the county during the year 1294.
Hiley is thought to have derived from the pre 7th century Olde English word 'haelig', which can be translated to mean holy or wholesome. The name could have originated as a nickname given to a person with a religious, holy or dignified demeanour.
By the mid 1400s, the spelling of the name Hiley was visible as 'Heeley' within Yorkshire and this spelling remained the most popular version of the surname throughout the 1500s. During the 17th century, there were large numbers of Irish immigrants to England, who brought their surnames with them. The spelling of Hiley evolved into Healey and Hely in some cases. In Scotland, the form with an 'ie' ending became the more popular option.
Today, the surname Hiley is mainly found in England, Ireland and Australia. The name continues to be spelled in its traditional form, but also in other versions such as Hille, Hilley, Hyley and Heley.
Famous people with the name Hiley
- Douglas Hiley: British philosopher and academic associated with the philosophy of consciousness.
- Sean Hiley: Irish footballer who plays as a defender for St Patrick's Athletic. He previously played for Bray Wanderers, Sligo Rovers and Bohemian FC.
- Greg Hiley: football manager and commentator. He is best known for being a commentator on ESPN and Sky Sports.
- David Hiley: American football player who was a defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos.
- Billy Hiley: former British gymnast who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games.
- George Hiley: Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and a professor of medicine and cardiovascular disease at the University of Chicago.
- Chris Hiley: British singer-songwriter and guitarist who fronts the indie rock band, The Rakes.
- Scott Hiley: American country music artist and songwriter best known for the hit single "Bigger than Me".
- Ben Hiley: former English rugby union footballer who made 271 appearances in the Premiership for London Irish.
- Mike Hiley: professional racing driver who competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Racing Series.