Surname Mozeley - Meaning and Origin

Mozeley: What does the surname Mozeley mean?

The surname Mozeley is of English origin and is considered to be a regional or geographical surname. It is derived from an old English location meaning "Mosa's leah". "Mosa" is considered a personal name and "leah" translates to "wood" or "clearing". Hence, Mosa's leah could suggest a clearing or woodland owned by a person named Mosa. Over the years, the name has evolved with variations in its spelling including Mosley, Mozley, Moseley, and others. Surnames based on geographical locations were typically used in earlier times to refer to where a particular person initially lived or held land. It was a common practice in medieval England. Thus, someone bearing the last name Mozeley likely had ancestors who lived in or originated from this particular location. Regrettably, the actual geographic location related to this surname is unclear. Please, bear in mind that meanings and origins of surnames can widely vary and this is just one of the interpretations.

Mozeley: Where does the name Mozeley come from?

The last name Mozeley is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, where it is the 1,926th most common surname. Those bearing the name are thought to originate from a large and ancient Anglo-Saxon family. The surname is believed to have associated with a man by the name of Maurice who, as early as the 11th century, was the lord of the manor in Meaux, in West Yorkshire.

The Mozeleys have been based mainly in the Midlands of England where they have long been established. This region includes the counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, and Oxfordshire. Members of the family are also found in Scotland, particularly around Dundee, and a few even traveled to the United States and Canada in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The surname is still quite popular in the UK today, particularly around the areas it was originally found. A large number of those bearing the name today still live within a few miles of Meaux, which is now a small village to the north-east of Sheffield. According to records, there are currently close to 500 bearers of the Mozeley name in the UK.

Variations of the surname Mozeley

The surname ‘Mozeley’ is an old English name that refers to one who lived in a settlement near a meadow. Different variants, spellings, and surnames of Mozeley include: Mosely, Mosley, Moseley, Mosly, Mezley, Mezly, Mezley, Mezeley, Mazeley, Maseley, Masely, and Mazley.

Mosely is the most common variant of the surname Mozeley. The spelling is believed to originate from the early Middle English spelling of the name 'Moselai' (meaning 'Mose's meadow').

Mosley is the second most common variant of the name. The variant is believed to have derived from an Old English word 'muslad' (ceremonial clearing in a wood).

Moseley, or Moselee, are renderings of the name which are thought to have Anglo-Norman or French-Norman origins from the place name ‘Moselai’.

Mezley, Mezly, Mezley, and Mezeley are less common variants of the name which are believed to originate from an Old English word 'mæs'slaeg' (demon's meadow).

Mazeley, Maseley, Masely, and Mazley are variants of the surname which were more common during the 19th century. These spellings may also have derived from the term 'mæs'slaeg'.

Famous people with the name Mozeley

• Amanda Mozeley, American actress
• Langston Mozeley, Canadian Olympic diver
• Ashleigh Mozeley, Australian gymnast
• Dr. John Mozeley, Scottish physician
• Jane Mozeley, British vocal artist
• James Mozeley, Australian Rules footballer from the 1890s
• Billy Mozeley, English cricketer
• Dr. Reginald Mozeley, British neurologist
• Carl Mozeley, British comedian
• John Mozeley, career diplomat with the United States Department of State

Other surnames

MozellMozely