Surname Wisley - Meaning and Origin
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Wisley: What does the surname Wisley mean?
The last name Wisley is thought to originate from a village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England called Wilsley. The name is derived from the Old English personal name Wilsa (meaning "the Victor"), and lea (meaning "meadow"). It can, therefore, be translated to mean "Victor's meadow".
The Wisley family can be traced back to the earliest records of the area, and the enactment of the Doomsday Book in 1086 A.D. During that time, the family was identified as possessing land in East Riding of Yorkshire. The family tree includes many prominent members, including early British jurists, judges, and military personnel.
Over time, the Wisley family has scattered across the globe and developed distinct branches in different countries. In America, for example, the family adopted certain religious practices, including Calvinism and Presbyterianism, which has influenced their American descendants significantly. Different branches of the Wisley family have also established themselves in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among other countries.
Today, members of the Wisley family are productive and prominent members of their respective communities. They have made valuable contributions to a wide range of fields from business and finance to art and civil service. Despite the fact that the name has branched across the world, the core values and positive mentality established by the original Wisley family remain firmly ingrained in the lives of their many descendants.
Order DNA origin analysisWisley: Where does the name Wisley come from?
The last name Wisley is most commonly seen in the United States. Some common states are California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
Wisley can also be found in other parts of the world including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In fact, because of global migration patterns and increased communication, it is believed that last names have become more common in multiple countries and languages.
The main history of the Wisley name is believed to come from England. Experts believe the name is derived from an old English tribal name Wisiga, which means weasel. The Wisley family was heavily involved in woolen and draper manufacture going back throughout history.
Despite its English heritage, there are plenty of Wisleys throughout the United States. Currently, some of the highest concentrations of Wisleys seem to lie in the Midwest and South, particularly the Texas Panhandle.
The Wisleys of today have typically formed a tight-knit group. Most Wisleys tend to stay in touch with their extended family, even over long distances. The family is also incredibly supportive; Wisleys across the world often come together in times of need with the same zeal that bound them together centuries ago.
Variations of the surname Wisley
Wisley is an English surname derived from an Olde English personal name, Wisselegh. Records of this name in England date back to the 13th century, when William de Wisseleghe was listed in the 1273 Hundred Rolls. Variations of the name include Wissly, Wisly, Wisley, Wiclay, Wicloe, Wicley, Wicleigh, Wickley, Wiclaye, and Wycley.
In Germany, variants of Wisley include Wisel, Wissel, Wisseler, Wicell, Wieschel, Wisel, Wisell, Wiselle, Wiss, Wisse, Wissél, Wissl, Wissele, and Wiseley.
There are a number of unrelated and non-Anglo surnames that resemble Wisley due to the similarity in spelling. In Ireland, for example, O'Cuilleain is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Cúileann or “descendant of Cúileann.” In France, Wisselin is a location-based surname derived from a small commune in the Hautes-Alpes Department.
Wisley and its variants may be found around the world. Though not necessarily related to one another, records of the name have been documented in Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia. It is likely that present-day holders of the name Wisley are descended from a variety of origins and locations.
Famous people with the name Wisley
- Kevin Wisley: an American actor known for roles on the ABC and CBS television networks and the Disney Channel
- John Wisley: a former professional American football player who played cornerback in the NFL from 1974 to 1983
- Diana Wisley: an American artist specializing in fashion and costume design
- Roger Wisley: a retired British professional tennis player
- Mark Wisley: a former professional American football player who played cornerback in the NFL from 1981 to 1989
- Bob Wisley: a former professional American football player who played defensive end in the NFL during the 1980s
- Leslie Wisley: a former professional American football player who played outside linebacker for the New York Giants from 1965 to 1971
- Warren Wisley: a retired British professional tennis player
- Liz Wisley: a professional American football player for the Los Angeles Rams in 1976
- Don Wisley: a former professional American football player who played wide receiver in the NFL from 1984 to 1988