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Arley Family History

Arley Surname Meaning

From Arley (Warwicks), which is recorded as Earnlege in 1001, Arlei in 1086, and Arnlege in 1221. Areley Kings (Worcs) is recorded as Ernele in 1156, Arneley in 1275, and Arleye in 1291, or Upper Arley (formerly in Staffs, now Worcs), recorded as Earnleie in 996, Erlege in 1188, and Arnlege in 1276.

All three place-names derive from Old English earn ‘eagle’ + lēah ‘open woodland’. Compare Earley. Possibly from Arley in Aston by Budworth (Cheshire), which is recorded as Harlae in 1336, Arlegh in 1340, and Harlagh in 1347. The place-name derives from Old English lēah ‘open woodland’ with an uncertain first element, perhaps hār ‘hoary, grey’.

From Arley in Blackrod (Lancs), which is recorded as Erelegh in 1283 and Erley in 1394, or Arley in Mellor (also Lancs), recorded as Ereley in the 13th century and Arley in 1558. The place-names derive from Old English lēah ‘open woodland’ with an uncertain first element.

The post-medieval bearers cited under (1) may alternatively belong here.

Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016

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You can see how Arley families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Arley family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Arley families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 5 Arley families living in Lancashire. This was about 45% of all the recorded Arley's in United Kingdom. Lancashire had the highest population of Arley families in 1891.

Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Arley surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.

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Census Records

There are 1,000 census records available for the last name Arley. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Arley census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

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Passenger Lists

There are 973 immigration records available for the last name Arley. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

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Draft Cards

There are 226 military records available for the last name Arley. For the veterans among your Arley ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

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What is the average Arley lifespan?

Between 1959 and 1999, in the United States, Arley life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1959, and highest in 1992. The average life expectancy for Arley in 1959 was 32, and 58 in 1999.

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