indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Type Surname (from location)
Usage English
Meaning & History
Derived from Thornley, which is the name of three villages in England (two are located in the county of Durham, the third in Lancashire). All three villages derive their name from Old English þorn "thorn" and Old English leah "clearing (in a wood), glade", which gives their name the meaning of "the thorny glade". Also compare Thorley.