Byerley

The name Byerley is a surname of English origin. It is a locational name, derived from a place name meaning "the place by the cattle pasture". The place name likely originated from Old English elements such as "byre" (cattle shed or byre) and "leah" (clearing, wood, or meadow).

The Byerley Turk, one of the three founding sires of the Thoroughbred horse breed, adds historical significance to the name. Captain Robert Byerley acquired the horse, allegedly as spoils of war, during the late 17th century. The horse's bloodline became a crucial component in the development of the Thoroughbred breed, making the Byerley name historically important in equine history.

The name Byerley may also be found as a given name, though less frequently than as a surname. The surname itself can be found primarily in England and among descendants of English emigrants in other parts of the world.