Langley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Langley come from? What does the surname Langley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Langley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Langley Origin: What does the last name Langley mean?
The surname Langley has English origins, derived from the Old English words "Lang" meaning 'long' and "lēah" meaning 'wood' or 'glade'. This habitational surname indicates a connection to numerous places in England with similar names. Records from YourRoots show that the Langley surname first appeared in the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 12th century. Over the centuries, it has maintained a strong association with England, particularly during the 12th to 16th centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Langley surname in the United States since the 17th century, with a notable increase in records surpassing those in the United Kingdom by the 18th century. Today, the Langley surname is found in various countries worldwide, indicating its global spread over the centuries. While the exact number of Langley surname holders in different countries is not specified, the surname's presence in diverse regions showcases its widespread distribution and enduring legacy.
Langley Last Name History: Where did the last name Langley come from?
Origin of Langley Surname: Where does the last name Langley originate from?
Based on the information available from YourRoots, the surname Langley first appeared in records from the United Kingdom, specifically England, around the early 12th century. It's important to note that this is based on the exact spelling 'Langley' represented in the YourRoots database, and it does not take into account other potential sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Langley: What does the Langley surname history look like in the early days?
The "Langley" surname has a strong association with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 12th through to the 16th century, as evidenced by the volume of records in the YourRoots database. Other countries with a significant number of Langley records during this period will require additional data for a more comprehensive analysis.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Langley surname today?
By the 17th century, the frequency of Langley surname records began to increase notably in the United States, eventually surpassing the volume in the United Kingdom during the 18th century. This trend has continued into more recent centuries, with the highest number of records appearing in the United States. However, the "Langley" surname appears in various countries worldwide, indicating a global spread over the centuries. More detailed data would be required for a complete list of countries where the Langley surname is found today.
Explore Langley last name heritage and Langley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Langley Surame?
Brendan Langley
Brendan Langley (born Oct 16, 1994) is an American former professional football player known for his time as a wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL. Langley played for the Denver Broncos and later transitioned to the XFL and Canadian Football League. Despite legal troubles and controversies, Langley's athleticism and skills on the field were recognized by various teams, showcasing his versatility in different football leagues. Langley's journey from college football to the professional leagues demonstrates his determination and passion for the sport.
Bruno Langley
Bruno Langley (March 21, 1983 - ) is an English musician and former actor known for his roles as Todd Grimshaw in "Coronation Street" and Adam Mitchell in "Doctor Who." Langley also pursued a career in theatre, appearing in productions such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Mousetrap." In addition to his acting, he formed a band called Bruno Langley and the Wonderland Band in 2010. Langley's career faced controversy when he was charged with sexual assault in 2017, leading to his contract termination with "Coronation Street." Despite this setback, he announced his return to music in 2021, showcasing his musical aspirations.
Michael Langley
Michael Elliott Langley (born 1961 or 1962) is a pioneering United States Marine Corps general, breaking barriers as the first black four-star general in the Marine Corps' 246-year history. With an extensive military career, Langley has commanded at various levels and holds multiple master's degrees in national security strategic studies. He currently serves as the commander of the United States Africa Command, showcasing his leadership and dedication to service.
Donna Langley
Dame Donna Langley-Shamshiri (born 1968) is a British film executive known for her role as Chairwoman of Universal Studios and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. She has overseen major film franchises like Fast & Furious, Despicable Me, and Bourne, as well as supported acclaimed directors like Jordan Peele and Christopher Nolan. Langley has expanded her role to Chief Content Officer, overseeing Universal's film slate, TV, and streaming strategy. Recognized as one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to film and entertainment. Langley's career highlights include her mentorship programs for women and her work with nonprofit organizations like Vital Voices.
Noel Langley
Noel Langley (25 Dec 1911 - 4 Nov 1980) was a South African-born novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and director. He is best known for writing the screenplay that inspired the iconic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." Langley introduced key elements like the farmworkers as the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion, as well as changing Dorothy's shoes to ruby. Despite initial reservations about the final cut, his work on the film became a classic. Langley also had success with novels, plays, and other film projects, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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