Find out how popular the first name Hansley has been for the last 20 years (from 1997 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hansley by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Hansley is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Hansley.

The history of the first name Hansley

The name Hansley is of English origin, derived from the Old English words "han" meaning "rooster" and "ley" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." It is believed to have originated in the medieval period, around the 11th or 12th century.

In its earliest known usage, Hansley was a surname referring to someone who lived near a meadow or clearing where roosters were kept. Over time, it transitioned to become a given name, particularly in rural areas of England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Hansley is found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The entry mentions a landowner named Hansley in the county of Lincolnshire.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained some popularity among the gentry and aristocratic classes in England. One notable bearer of the name was Sir Hansley Cromwell (1525-1592), a distant relative of Oliver Cromwell and a member of the Privy Council under Queen Elizabeth I.

In the 17th century, Hansley Whitefield (1612-1675) was a prominent English merchant and philanthropist who funded the construction of several churches and schools in London.

Another historical figure with the name was Hansley Woodhouse (1771-1845), a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies and was a vocal advocate for parliamentary reform.

In the 19th century, Hansley Paget (1821-1899) was a renowned British sculptor known for his neoclassical works, including the iconic statue of Lord Byron in Hyde Park, London.

Hansley Johnstone (1889-1963) was a British writer and journalist who gained fame for his travel memoirs and novels set in exotic locations around the world.

While the name Hansley has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it has persisted as a unique and distinctive name with its roots in the English countryside and its association with notable figures across various fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hansley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hansley, please contact us.

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