Farley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Farley come from? What does the surname Farley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Farley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Farleigh, Farlee, Farlow, Fearnley
Surname Farley Origin: What does the last name Farley mean?
The surname Farley has Irish origins and can be traced back to the patronyms Ó Faircheallaigh and Ó Fearghail, meaning "descendant of Faircheallaigh" or "descendant of Fearghail." It can also be attributed to places with toponyms Farley, Farleigh, Fairlie, or Fairley, originating from the Old English terms for "fern" and "woodland clearing." Farley is a versatile surname that signifies qualities such as valor and strength.
YourRoots data indicates that the Farley surname has been present in records from the United Kingdom since the early 14th century. Over time, the surname has spread globally, with significant concentrations in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. This widespread distribution illustrates the enduring legacy and diverse presence of the Farley surname across various countries and regions.
Farley Last Name History: Where did the last name Farley come from?
Origin of Farley Surname: Where does the last name Farley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Farley first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Farley” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Farley: What does the Farley surname history look like in the early days?
The “Farley” surname remained significantly linked to the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. YourRoots data shows a noticeable increase in Farley family records in the United States during the 16th century, indicating a shift in the surname's geographical concentration.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Farley surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Farley surname saw a significant rise in the United States. The trend continued into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, with the United States having the most records of the Farley surname. Today, the “Farley” surname is prominent in the United States but also appears in many other regions worldwide. The data shows entries in several countries, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
Explore Farley last name heritage and Farley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Farley Surame?
Chris Farley
Christopher Crosby Farley (Feb 15, 1964 - Dec 18, 1997) was an American actor and comedian known for his physical comedy on Saturday Night Live and in films like "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep." Despite his talent, Farley struggled with obesity and substance abuse, tragically passing away at 33.
John Murphy Farley
John Murphy Farley (Apr 20, 1842 - Sep 17, 1918) was an Irish-American cardinal of the Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of New York from 1902 until his death in 1918, and became a cardinal in 1911. Farley made significant progress in Catholic education and established numerous parochial schools during his tenure.
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