The name Manley has its origins in Old English, derived from the words "mann" meaning "man" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow." It was initially used as a surname to denote someone who lived in a woodland clearing or a meadow. The earliest recorded use of Manley as a given name dates back to the 13th century in England.

During the Middle Ages, the name Manley was particularly prevalent in the counties of Cheshire, Lancashire, and Yorkshire in northern England. It was often associated with families who owned land or estates in these regions. Some historical records suggest that the name may have been used by Anglo-Saxon nobility or landowners.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Manley was Sir Manley de Bredbury, a knight who lived in the 13th century and was associated with the manor of Bredbury in Cheshire. Another notable historical figure was Manley Power, an English politician and Member of Parliament for Stafford in the late 16th century.

In the 17th century, Manley Stanhope (1623-1676) was a prominent English politician and diplomat who served as the English ambassador to Spain. During the same period, Manley Foster (1628-1681) was an English Baptist minister and an influential figure in the early Baptist movement.

Moving into the 18th century, Manley Wood (1711-1795) was a British politician and Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme. He was also a notable landowner and industrialist in Staffordshire.

In the literary world, Mary de la Rivière Manley (1663-1724) was an English novelist and playwright known for her scandalous and satirical works, such as "The New Atalantis" and "The Lost Lover."

While the name Manley has been less common in recent times, it has maintained its presence throughout history, particularly in Britain and areas with strong English cultural influences.