Surname Marley - Meaning and Origin
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Marley: What does the surname Marley mean?
The last name Marley is a name of English origin and is believed to have been derived from the Old French personal name Marelie, which was a diminutive form of Mary. This name in turn was derived from the Hebrew name Miriam, meaning “sea of sorrows” or “beloved”.
The popularity of the name Marley seems to have grown in the 19th century, likely due to the reggae musician Bob Marley, who is considered to be one of the most influential figures of his era and is given credit for popularizing reggae music around the world.
The Marley surname is likely derived from a place-name. In some cases it may refer to a town or settlement called “Marley” in England, originating from the Old English words mear, meaning “a wooden boundary post” and leah, which indicates a clearing in the forest or a meadow.
The Marleys are a family of Irish heritage, tracing their Irish roots to County Tipperary, Ireland. The extensive history of the name includes several important figures such as William Marley who served in the Cavalry in the American Revolutionary War.
The name Marley, referring to a powerful sea of sorrows, reflects the rich history and tradition of the Marley family. It is a name that is associated with strength, success, and faith, and is a reminder of the power of faith and love.
Order DNA origin analysisMarley: Where does the name Marley come from?
The last name Marley has its origin in many countries, but it is most commonly found today in Jamaica, home of the late Jamaican musician Bob Marley. It is also fairly common in England and other countries with Anglo-Saxon roots.
The surname is thought to have come from England, where it has been found since the 16th century. It is of Norman origin, derived from the popular French personal name 'Marlei'. Marley is usually an Anglicized spelling of the name. Today, it is amongst the top 220 surnames in both England and the United States.
In Jamaica, the last name is most commonly associated with the reggae artist Bob Marley, who was an international icon of Jamaican music and culture. As a result, the surname has come to represent the vibrant culture of Jamaica and has come to have strong connotations. The Marley family has had a major influence in the music and film industry in Jamaica. This has meant that the name has become more commonly found among Jamaicans in recent years as a sign of recognition to the great artist.
The surname is also quite common in the United States. Here, it has become popular among African Americans, particularly through Bob Marley's influence. The surname Marley can now be found on both sides of the Atlantic, but is most common in Jamaica.
Variations of the surname Marley
The surname Marley has several variants and spellings that may come from multiple different origins. The most common spellings of Marley include Marlee, Marlie, and Marly. All of these are a variation of an English surname derived from multiple sources. One of the most likely sources of the surname is from the Old English words, “maer”, which means “lake,” combined with “leah,” which means “wood or clearing.” This would make the origin of the surname Marley to mean someone who lived near a lake or water by a wood or clearing. This would have been particularly common in the counties of Warwickshire and Worcestershire during the medieval period.
Other sources of the surname Marley include the Norman French phrase “marais lee,” which means “marshy meadow” and Latin phrase “maris laicus”, which translates to “laical sea.” All of these variations of Marley could also have derived from a habitational name, meaning someone who came from a place named with the same phrase or element.
Surnames that have the same or a similar origin as Marley include Marlow, Marly, Marlas, Mallory, Marlay, Marlays, Marelle, Marelyn, and Malley. All of these surnames may have come from some of the same sources as Marley, but could have developed in different ways in different regions.
Famous people with the name Marley
- Bob Marley: Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter who achieved international fame over the course of his career. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time, having released an impressive collection of more than 60 singles and 11 albums during his lifetime.
- Ziggy Marley: Ziggy Marley is a Jamaican musician and leader of the band Ziggy Marley & The Melody Makers. He is the eldest son of Bob Marley and has become a successful solo artist in his own right. He has won eight Grammy Awards, and his work as a musician has been highly acclaimed.
- Stephen Marley: Stephen Marley is a Jamaican reggae musician and producer and the son of Bob Marley. He has released a number of successful solo albums, and has produced a number of acclaimed albums for other artists. He has won eight Grammy Awards.
- Damian Marley: Damian Marley is a Jamaican reggae musician and the youngest son of Bob Marley. He has had a successful solo career, and is also a member of the supergroup Major Lazer. He has won three Grammy Awards.
- Julian Marley: Julian Marley is a Jamaican reggae singer, musician and producer. He is the son of Bob Marley and has had a successful solo career, releasing a number of albums to wide critical acclaim.
- Ky-Mani Marley: Ky-Mani Marley is a Jamaican reggae and hip-hop musician and the son of Bob Marley. He has had a successful solo career, and has also collaborated with a number of other artists.