Harpley Family History

from either of two places called Harpley (Norfolk Worcs). The Norfolk place-name is recorded as Herpelai and Harpelai in 1086 and derives from Old English hearpe ‘harp’ (considering that this place is not far from the sea hearpe may be for ‘salt harp’ a harp-shaped implement for sifting and cleansing salt) + lēah ‘wood woodland clearing’.

The Worcs place-name is recorded as Harpeley in medieval documents and may have the same etymology as the Norfolk place though may alternatively derive from Old English *hearpa ‘harper’ or an Old English personal name *Hearpa + Old English lēah.