Origin and Meaning of Morley
Meaning & Origin
Moor clearing; from the meadow on the moor
Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'mor', meaning 'moor', and 'leah', meaning 'wood' or 'clearing'.
Interesting Facts
- Morley is traditionally a surname that has transitioned into use as a given name in modern times, reflecting the trend of using family names for first names.
- As a place name, Morley can be found in various locations in England, which often enhances its appeal as a given name.
- Notable bearers of the name include Morley Safer, a well-known journalist and correspondent for CBS, who contributed significantly to news media.
- Morley is relatively uncommon as a first name, which adds to its uniqueness, and it has seen a gradual rise in late 20th and early 21st centuries.
- Related names include the more commonly known surname variants like Morley and its diminutive forms such as Morley-John.