Surname Presley - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestral Mysteries: My DNA Analysis and the Journey of the Presleys

By undertaking a DNA analysis at iGENEA, I embarked on a fascinating journey to discover my familial roots and the origin of my surname, Presley. This comprehensive investigation revealed the Anglo-Saxon origins, Celtic connections, and daring early colonial migrations of the Presley lineage, enhancing my understanding of our resilient ancestors.

L. Presley

Presley: What does the surname Presley mean?

The surname Presley is of English origin and is believed to have geographic roots. It derives from the Old English preost, which means "priest", and leah which means "wood" or "clearing". Thus, Presley could be interpreted to mean "priest's clearing" or "priest's wood". It is typically considered a locational surname, referring to a place, such as Presley in Northumberland or Presley in Sussex. Alternatively, it could have referred to someone living near a priest's woodland or clearing. Like many other surnames, the spelling of Presley has changed over time with variations such as Pressley, Presslie, and Presly observed in historical records. The most famous bearer of the surname is the American singer and cultural icon, Elvis Presley. This surname is also common in the native country of United Kingdom and United States. Overall, it denotes a strong connection to locations or landmarks, showcasing a family's geographic lineage.

Presley: Where does the name Presley come from?

The last name Presley is most commonly associated with the music legend Elvis Presley and his family who are based in the US. It is most commonly found in the Southern states of America.

In the US the states with the highest prevalence of residents with the surname Presley are Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Many other states have a population of Presleys, including Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Virginia, Missouri, and Kentucky.

Presley is not a particularly common surname in the United States, but it is especially prevalent in the regions of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee where Elvis was born and raised. The name is most often found in small towns and rural communities of those states. Notably, in Arkansas it is the 15th most common last name, and in Mississippi it is the 18th most common. It is also found in Texas and Louisiana where the family moved later in life.

It is a fairly common name internationally as well, primarily found in English-speaking countries. Australia and New Zealand both have quite a few individuals with the Presley surname. It is also rather common in Canada, especially in British Colombia and Alberta.

In the United Kingdom it is less common, but it still has some prevalence in Dorset, Kent, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and other counties in the South.

To sum up, the last name Presley is most common in the US, particularly the Southern states, and is also found in other English-speaking countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

Variations of the surname Presley

The surname Presley is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Pressley. It is derived from the Gaelic "O'Prioslaigh", which means descendant of Prioslaidh - a personal name derived from "prios", meaning worth, value or price. Presley is an uncommon surname of English and Irish origin.

Alternate spellings and variants of Presley include Presly, Pressly, Prestly, Pristley, Pressley, Prisley, and Presleigh. Surnames related to Presley include Presland, Priceland, Prendergast, Pressick, Precesky, Presswold, Pressicki, Priskie, Fromhold, Prestich, and Prestwich.

Many of these surnames are derived from the same root, which suggests a common ancestor of the various spellings. For instance, the surname Prendergast is derived from an Old English word meaning "a cross-roads"; Fromhold is derived from an Old English word meaning "broken hold", referring to someone with little or no property; and Prestwich is derived from an English word meaning "priest's settlement".

There are various other spellings and surnames related to the origin of Presley, all of which are derived from the same root. However, there is no single correct version, as there are a wide variety of variants available. By tracing the origin and variations of each surname, you may be able to better understand the history of your own family.

Famous people with the name Presley

• Elvis Presley: arguably the most famous Presley, Elvis was an all-time great and one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. He popularized rock and roll and left an indelible mark on popular music that continues to this day.
• Lisa Marie Presley: Elvis’ only child, Lisa Marie carries on her father’s musical legacy. She is a singer-songwriter best known for her hits such as "Lights Out" and "Sinking In".
• Priscilla Presley: Priscilla was Elvis’s wife, and she has continued to keep his legacy alive through books, documentaries, and public appearances.
• Riley Keough: Elvis’s granddaughter, Riley is an actress and former model best known for her roles in American Honey and Jackie & Ryan.
• Benjamin Presley: Benjamin is Elvis’ nephew. He is known for his songwriting and has appeared on shows such as Celebrity Family Feud in honor of his famous uncle.
• David Presley: David is Elvis’ half-brother and works as a musical director in Texas.
• Navarone Presley: Navarone is Elvis’ great-nephew and is a singer-songwriter with the stage name Navarone G.
• Danny Presley: Danny is Elvis’ cousin and is a gospel singer with a Christian-based band called The Presley Family.
• Dixie Presley: Dixie is Elvis’ third cousin, once removed. She is a blues rock singer-songwriter who has released several albums.
• Emi Sunset-Presley: Emi is Elvis’ fourth cousin, once removed. She is a blues and soul artist based in Nashville.

Other surnames

PreslarPresleighPresler