Townley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Townley come from? What does the surname Townley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Townley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Townley Origin: What does the last name Townley mean?
The Townley surname, originating in England around the early 13th century, has a rich history closely tied to the United Kingdom. Over the centuries, the surname Townley has spread globally, with significant records emerging in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Townley surname remains prominent in various countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
YourRoots data confirms the long-standing presence of the Townley surname, showcasing its global spread and continued significance in different regions. From its origins in England to its prevalence in the United States and other countries, the Townley surname reflects a diverse and enduring legacy that has transcended time and borders.
Townley Last Name History: Where did the last name Townley come from?
Origin of Townley Surname: Where does the last name Townley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Townley first appeared in records from England (United Kingdom) around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Townley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Townley: What does the Townley surname history look like in the early days?
The Townley surname remained closely associated with England (United Kingdom) from the 13th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Townley family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Townley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Townley surname grew significantly in the United States. The Townley surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Townley last name heritage and Townley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Townley Surame?
Michael Townley
Michael Vernon Townley (December 5, 1942) is a former American agent of the Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional (DINA) in Chile. He was involved in high-profile assassinations, including that of Orlando Letelier and Carlos Prats, during the regime of Augusto Pinochet. Townley served time in prison for his crimes and later entered a witness protection program. His actions continue to be a subject of controversy and intrigue in the realm of espionage and political history.
John Wes Townley
John Wesley Townley (December 31, 1989 – October 2, 2021) was an American professional stock car racing driver known for competing in NASCAR's Xfinity and Truck Series. He secured his first truck race victory in 2015 and gained attention for his on-track incidents and nickname "John Wrecks Weekly." Townley's career included stints with teams like Richard Childress Racing and Red Horse Racing. He made headlines for a memorable altercation with fellow driver Spencer Gallagher in 2016, leading to a fine and probation. Townley retired in 2017, ending his racing journey that showcased both triumphs and challenges.
Toke Townley
John Antony Townley (6 Nov 1912 – 27 Sep 1984), known as Toke Townley, was an English actor. Starting his career in his 30s, he appeared in numerous BBC television programs and British films, including "The Avengers" and "Emmerdale Farm." Townley was loved by his colleagues and audiences for his portrayal of country characters, such as Sam Pearson in "Emmerdale Farm." He was also an accomplished flautist and played the instrument on screen. Despite his private nature, Townley left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry before his passing at a Leeds hotel during the filming of "Emmerdale Farm."
Charles Townley
Charles Townley FRS (1 Oct 1737 – 3 Jan 1805) was an English country gentleman, antiquary, and collector known for his extensive collection of antiquities, including the Townley Marbles now housed in the British Museum. He made three Grand Tours to Italy, acquiring sculptures, vases, coins, and paintings. Despite being from a Catholic family, he couldn't attend English universities. His collection included pieces like the Cannibal, Bust of Clytie, and Townley Discobolus. Townley was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a trustee of the British Museum. His legacy lives on through the Townley Collection, showcasing Graeco-Roman artifacts and sculptures.
Ben Townley
Ben Townley (born Dec 12, 1984) is a retired professional motocross and supercross racer from New Zealand. He achieved success in the Motocross World Championships, winning the 2004 MX2 world championship. Townley also competed in the AMA Motocross Championships and won the 2007 Supercross Lites East championship. Despite facing injuries throughout his career, Townley made multiple comebacks, showcasing his passion for the sport. Known for his speed and endurance, he left a lasting impact on the motocross community.
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