Buckley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Buckley come from? What does the surname Buckley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Buckley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Buckley Origin: What does the last name Buckley mean?
The surname Buckley has roots in both Ireland and England, with sources suggesting either an Irish or Old English origin. In Ireland, it is believed to have derived from the Irish word 'buachaill,' originally meaning 'herdsman.' Over time, it was anglicised to variations like Boughla, Buhilly, and eventually Buckley. In England, Buckley may have originated as a habitation surname from settlements named Buckley or as an occupational surname from the words Bucc and Leah, meaning goat and wood, respectively. The Buckley family from Greater Manchester, specifically from Buckley Hall, has been traced back to a Geoffrey de Buckley, with the name thought to come from 'bleak hill.'
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Buckley first appeared in records from England around the early 14th century. Over the centuries, the frequency of Buckley records increased significantly, pointing to a gradual global spread. By the 20th century, the United States surpassed England in the frequency of Buckley records, and the surname can now be found in various regions worldwide, with a notable presence in England, the United States, and other countries.
Buckley Last Name History: Where did the last name Buckley come from?
Origin of Buckley Surname: Where does the last name Buckley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Buckley first appeared in records from England, United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. It's crucial to remember that this data exclusively refers to YourRoots data with the exact “Buckley” spelling and does not account for other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Buckley: What does the Buckley surname history look like in the early days?
The “Buckley” surname remained primarily associated with England from the 14th through the 17th century. During this period, the volume of Buckley records increased significantly, signifying an impressive growth in the surname's frequency. YourRoots data also shows Buckley family records in other countries, indicating a gradual global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Buckley surname today?
By the 18th century, the volume of records with the Buckley surname expanded notably in England. However, by the 20th century, a significant shift was observed with the United States surpassing England in the frequency of Buckley records. This trend continued into the 21st century. Today, the “Buckley” surname can be found in various regions worldwide, with a notable presence in England, United States, and a few other countries.
Explore Buckley last name heritage and Buckley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Buckley Surame?
Jeff Buckley
Jeffrey Scott Buckley (November 17, 1966 – May 29, 1997) was an American singer-songwriter known for his album "Grace" and his rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." Raised in Southern California, he began playing guitar at a young age and later moved to New York City to pursue his music career. Buckley's unique voice and musical style garnered a following in the early '90s, with his untimely death at 30 leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. He continues to be revered by fans and musicians alike for his influential work.
Jessie Buckley
Jessie Buckley (December 28, 1989 - present) is an Irish actress and singer known for her roles in various films and television series. She gained recognition for her performances in projects like "Wild Rose" and "Chernobyl." Buckley's talent extends to the stage, where she won a Laurence Olivier Award for her portrayal of Sally Bowles in a West End revival of "Cabaret." With nominations for prestigious awards like the BAFTA and Academy Award, she continues to captivate audiences with her versatile acting skills and powerful singing voice.
Tim Buckley
Timothy Charles Buckley III (February 14, 1947 – June 29, 1975) was an American musician known for his unique five-octave vocal range. Starting in folk rock, he ventured into psychedelia, jazz, and funk. His album "Happy Sad" reached commercial success, but "Starsailor" became a cult classic with the iconic song "Song to the Siren." Tragically, Buckley passed away at 28 from a heroin overdose, leaving behind a musical legacy. His son, Jeff Buckley, also a talented singer, carried on his musical lineage.
Betty Buckley
Betty Lynn Buckley (born Jul 3, 1947) is an American actress and singer known for her Tony Award-winning performance in the musical Cats as Grizabella. She also starred as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and has appeared in various films and TV shows, including Eight Is Enough and Split. With a powerful voice and versatile acting skills, Buckley has earned multiple award nominations and a spot in the American Theater Hall of Fame. Her captivating performances on stage and screen have solidified her status as a talented and respected artist in the entertainment industry.
A. J. Buckley
Alan John Buckley (born 9 Feb 1977) is a Canadian actor known for his roles as Adam Ross in CSI: NY and Sonny Quinn in SEAL Team. He has also appeared in Supernatural, The Good Dinosaur, and more. Buckley began his career in Dublin, Ireland, before moving to Canada as a child. In his personal life, he proposed to his girlfriend on vacation in Hawaii and they welcomed a daughter in 2014. Buckley's diverse acting roles and charming personality have made him a fan favorite in the entertainment industry.
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