Birley (surname)

The surname Birley is of English origin and is a locational surname. It derives from several places called Birley found in England, primarily in Lancashire, Herefordshire, and Derbyshire. The placenames themselves are derived from the Old English words "birc," meaning "birch tree," and "leah," meaning "wood," "clearing," or "glade." Therefore, Birley signifies a place near a birch wood or a clearing where birch trees grew.

The surname would have been adopted by people who lived in or near one of these Birley locations, or who migrated from such a location to another area. Over time, the surname has been transmitted through generations, sometimes with variations in spelling.

Notable people with the surname Birley include:

• Oswald Birley (1880-1952): A prominent English portrait painter.
• Robert Birley (1903-1982): An English educator and public servant, known for his role as headmaster of Eton College.
• Eric Birley (1906-1995): A British historian and archaeologist specialising in Roman Britain, particularly Hadrian's Wall.
• Anthony Birley (1937-2020): A British historian of the Roman Empire, son of Eric Birley.

The surname Birley has a documented history in England dating back several centuries, and records of individuals bearing the name can be found in various historical documents, such as parish registers, wills, and census records.