Message: "I need to know what 2 particular last names mean"

I need to know what 2 particular last names mean

by Nora (guest)

10/13/2004, 7:13 PM

I need to know where the last name "Goodall" comes from and what it means and I also need to know where the last name "Wiley" comes from and what it means as well.

Thanks,
Nora

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- Andy (guest) +2

10/13/2004, 10:32 PM

The Oxford Dictionary of Surnames says:

GOODALL: Brewer or seller of "good ale". - Cheers!

WILEY: From various place-names in England

Andy ;—)

If you need further information, just let us know.

- Gianfranco E. Tubino Bryce (guest) +1

10/15/2004, 1:47 PM

Wiley...I see two possibilities... It could be a variant of the nickname "Will" (for those called "William") therefore meaning what "William" means or meaning "Son of William" like in "Williams" or "little Will"; William means "will/desire of protection/protecting" that is, willingness to protect or to be protected; probably the first, see http://www.behindthename.com/php/search.php?terms=william&nmd=n&gender=both&operator=or) or it could be "Wi"'s clearing (from "ley" = "clearing") where "Wi" could stand for "will" (desire) or for "William" or for another word unknown to me... I supposed "Goodall" meant "good [fate for] all" refering to an altruistic (at least supposedly) person, but Andy's answer is backed by pros so... By the way, place names use a lot the "ley" ending strengthening that possiblity over the other I gave for "Wiley"... Hope this aids; bye.

- Andy (guest)

10/18/2004, 1:52 AM

The Oxford Dictionary of Place-names (1998) only has WILLEY, not WILEY. This is explained as "willow-tree wood or clearing". But WILLEY in Surrey has a different origin: Weoleage (909) meant "sacred grove with heathen temple" (Old English "weoh"). I think, as you say, Will(iam) + "ley" (or without as you propose) is not a bad idea either.

Andy ;—)

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