The surname Rowley is of English origin and is derived from a locational name meaning "the rough clearing" or "hrof's clearing." It is believed to have originated from several places in England, including Rowley Regis in the West Midlands and Rowley in Staffordshire. The name is also found in other parts of the English-speaking world, with variations in spelling such as Rowly, Rowlie, and Rowlings.
The earliest recorded instance of the surname Rowley dates back to the 12th century in England. The name became more widespread in the following centuries, especially in the United States, where it has a significant presence. According to data, there are approximately 20,466 individuals with the surname Rowley in the United States, making it one of the most common surnames in the country.
In the United Kingdom, the surname Rowley is most prevalent in England, with a total of 16,225 individuals bearing the name. It is particularly common in areas such as Staffordshire, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire. In Wales, there are 725 individuals with the surname Rowley, while in Scotland, the number is 537.
Outside of the UK and US, the surname Rowley is also found in other English-speaking countries such as Australia (4,053 individuals), Canada (1,811 individuals), and New Zealand (520 individuals). In Ireland, there are 608 individuals with the surname Rowley, and in South Africa, the number is 391.
Other countries where the surname Rowley is present include Trinidad and Tobago (177 individuals), Northern Ireland (131 individuals), Spain (67 individuals), and Guyana (53 individuals). It is also found in countries like Panama, Belize, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates, albeit in smaller numbers.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Rowley. One such individual is Lieutenant Mark Donaldson, VC, an Australian soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Another notable figure with the surname Rowley is Joseph Rowley, a distinguished British naval officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his leadership and bravery in various naval engagements, earning him a reputation as a skilled and courageous commander.
In the field of entertainment, actor and comedian Guy Rowley is known for his roles in various television shows and films. He has gained a loyal following for his comedic talents and distinctive style of performance.
As with many surnames, the name Rowley has several variants and alternative spellings. These include but are not limited to Rowly, Rowlie, and Rowlings. These variations may have emerged over time due to regional accents, linguistic changes, or clerical errors in recording names.
Despite these variations, the core meaning and origin of the surname remain consistent across different spellings. The name Rowley continues to be a recognizable and enduring surname with a rich history and widespread distribution.
Overall, the surname Rowley has a long and storied history, with a rich and diverse heritage that spans centuries and continents. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be passed down through generations, symbolizing a connection to one's ancestry and heritage.
Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens in the case of Rowley, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in all of the countries of this globe. In the same way you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of individuals because of the surname Rowley is more than in other countries.
The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Rowley in the world, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we could understand tangible amount of people with all the surname Rowley, to acquire in this manner the complete information of all the Rowley that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to know not just in which the surname Rowley originates from, but also in what manner the folks who're initially an element of the family members that bears the surname Rowley have moved and moved. Just as, you are able to see by which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Rowley is our surname, it appears interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it's possible that one of our ancestors once moved to.