indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Meaning & History
Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a locational surname from either of the places called Worsley in Lancashire and in Worcestershire. The place in Lancashire was recorded as "Werkesleia" in 1196, and means Weorchaeth's wood or glade, derived from the Olde English pre 7th Century personal name "Weorchaeth", from weorc, work, fortification, and leah, a wood, or clearing in a wood. The place in Worcestershire means "pasture for cattle", derived from the Old English weorf, meaning "draught cattle", and leah, as before. This placename was recorded as "Werveslega" in 1150. Similar origins as surnames Worley and Workesley.