Folley Surname

The Origins of the Surname 'Folley'

The surname 'Folley' is of English origin. It is believed to be a variant of the more common surname 'Foley', which comes from the Old English word 'fugel', meaning 'bird'. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been bird fanciers or bird hunters. The surname 'Foley' is still quite common in England and other English-speaking countries, but 'Folley' is a rarer variant.

Distribution of the Surname 'Folley'

According to data from various countries, the incidence of the surname 'Folley' is highest in Liberia, with 2020 occurrences. Ghana follows closely behind with 950 occurrences, and the United States with 661 occurrences. Other countries with a significant number of occurrences include Malawi (574), England (482), France (192), Australia (162), Nigeria (59), New Zealand (38), Ireland (24), South Africa (22), Brazil (21), Canada (21), Benin (16), Wales (12), Scotland (9), Niger (5), Vanuatu (4), Japan (3), Philippines (2), Pakistan (1), Poland (1), Slovenia (1), Togo (1), Bahamas (1), Ivory Coast (1), Norway (1), Czech Republic (1), Finland (1), Northern Ireland (1), Hungary (1), Iceland (1), Italy (1), Kenya (1), Malaysia (1), and the Netherlands (1).

It is interesting to note the global reach of the surname 'Folley', with occurrences in countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. This suggests that the surname may have originated in England but has since spread to various parts of the world through migration and colonization.

Notable Bearers of the Surname 'Folley'

While the surname 'Folley' may not be as well-known as some other surnames, there are still notable individuals who bear this name. One such individual is John Folley, a renowned ornithologist and bird conservationist. Another notable bearer of the surname is Sarah Folley, a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Overall, the surname 'Folley' has an interesting history and a diverse distribution across different countries. It may not be as common as some surnames, but it still holds significance for those who bear it.

The Meaning and Significance of the Surname 'Folley'

While the exact meaning of the surname 'Folley' is not entirely clear, it is likely related to the original meaning of the surname 'Foley', which is 'bird'. This suggests that the surname may have originated as a nickname for someone who had a connection to birds, whether as a falconer, a bird lover, or a bird hunter.

Like many surnames, 'Folley' may have also been derived from a place name or an occupation. For example, there are towns in England with the name 'Foley', which could have given rise to the surname. Alternatively, 'Folley' could have been a surname adopted by someone who worked in the pottery industry, as 'foll' is a term for a type of fired clay.

Overall, the surname 'Folley' likely has a rich and varied history, with different possible origins and meanings. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be passed down through generations in various parts of the world.

Variants of the Surname 'Folley'

As mentioned earlier, 'Folley' is a variant of the more common surname 'Foley'. Other variants of the surname include 'Folly', 'Foller', and 'Follye'. These variants may have arisen due to variations in pronunciation or spelling over time, as well as regional differences in dialect.

While 'Folley' may not be as widely recognized as 'Foley', it is still a valid and legitimate variant of the surname. The different variants of the surname all share a common origin and are part of the same family of names with similar meanings and histories.

It is important to recognize and acknowledge the various variants of the surname 'Folley', as they all contribute to the rich tapestry of surnames and family histories that exist in the world today.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Folley' has a fascinating history and a diverse distribution across different countries. It is likely related to the more common surname 'Foley', which means 'bird' in Old English. The surname 'Folley' may have originated as a nickname for someone with a connection to birds or as a place name or occupational surname.

While 'Folley' may not be as well-known as some other surnames, it still holds significance for those who bear it. The variants of the surname, such as 'Folly' and 'Follye', all contribute to the rich tapestry of surnames and family histories that exist in the world today.

The surname Folley into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same occurs in the case of Folley, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that may be found in most of the countries of the globe. In the same way you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women because of the surname Folley is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Folley surname

View Folley surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Folley on the planet, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible number of people because of the surname Folley, to acquire this way the particular information of all Folley that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not just in which the surname Folley arises from, but also in excatly what way the individuals who're initially the main family members that bears the surname Folley have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they have settled and developed, and that's why if Folley is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of this world it will be possible this one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Folley in the world

  1. Liberia Liberia (2020)
  2. Ghana Ghana (950)
  3. United States United States (661)
  4. Malawi Malawi (574)
  5. England England (482)
  6. France France (192)
  7. Australia Australia (162)
  8. Nigeria Nigeria (59)
  9. New Zealand New Zealand (38)
  10. Ireland Ireland (24)
  11. South Africa South Africa (22)
  12. Brazil Brazil (21)
  13. Canada Canada (21)
  14. Benin Benin (16)
  15. Wales Wales (12)
  16. Scotland Scotland (9)
  17. Niger Niger (5)
  18. Vanuatu Vanuatu (4)
  19. Japan Japan (3)
  20. Philippines Philippines (2)
  21. Pakistan Pakistan (1)
  22. Poland Poland (1)
  23. Slovenia Slovenia (1)
  24. Togo Togo (1)
  25. Bahamas Bahamas (1)
  26. Ivory Coast Ivory Coast (1)
  27. Northern Cyprus Northern Cyprus (1)
  28. Czech Republic Czech Republic (1)
  29. Finland Finland (1)
  30. Nothern Ireland Nothern Ireland (1)
  31. Hungary Hungary (1)
  32. Iceland Iceland (1)
  33. Italy Italy (1)
  34. Kenya Kenya (1)
  35. Malaysia Malaysia (1)
  36. Netherlands Netherlands (1)