Dadley (surname)

The surname Dadley is an English surname of locational origin, deriving from a place name. It is believed to be a variant of Dudley. Dudley is a place in the West Midlands of England, historically in Worcestershire, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Duddelei, and derived from the Old English personal name Dudda combined with leah, meaning "wood", "clearing", or "pasture". Therefore, the name Dadley likely signifies "Dudda's wood/clearing/pasture".

Surnames of locational origin were acquired by people who had migrated from the place in question, and used the place name as a means of identification. Over time, variations in spelling often occurred due to local dialects and levels of literacy. Thus, Dadley is likely a later variant or a regional pronunciation/spelling of Dudley.

Records of the Dadley surname are found primarily in England. Genealogical research is needed to trace the earliest recorded instances and distribution patterns of the surname.