Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Handleigh

      Origin 
      Old English, Possibly Heath Clearing

      Meaning 
      Meadow By the Slope

      Variations 
      Hadleigh, Hanleigh, Shandeigh

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Handleigh has its roots in Old English, suggesting a connection to natural landscapes. Specifically, it is thought to mean meadow by the slope or heath clearing. This etymology highlights a serene and pastoral imagery, indicating a geographical feature characterized by lush meadows adjacent to sloping terrains, reflecting its origins in a time when names were often derived from the local geography and environment.

      Historically, Handleigh can be traced back to early English settlements, where names were typically created to describe the surrounding lands. While specific records of individuals bearing the name may be sparse, it functions as an example of the Old English naming conventions that sought to depict the beauty and characteristics of the English countryside. As with many names from this period, it carries with it a sense of place and a connection to the natural world, factors that were significant to communities in medieval England.

      In contemporary times, Handleigh is not widely common but retains a unique charm that appeals to those seeking distinctive names with historical significance. It can be found as a first name or a surname, often chosen for its lyrical quality and evocative meaning. The name may resonate particularly with individuals who have an appreciation for nature or historical roots, making it a fitting choice for modern parents looking to connect their child's identity to a rich cultural heritage.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.