Find out how popular the last name Fishley is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Fishley.

Fishley, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Fishley surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Fishley in America

Fishley is the 156044th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Fishley surname appeared 104 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Fishley.

The history of the last name Fishley

The surname Fishley has its origins in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to be a locational surname, derived from a place name in Norfolk, possibly referring to a fishing settlement or an area known for its fishing activities.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Fishley can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, which were records of land ownership and taxation in England. This suggests that the name was already established in the region by the late 13th century.

During the medieval period, the spelling of the surname varied, with forms such as Fisshele, Fissheley, and Fyssheley appearing in various historical documents. These variations reflect the fluid nature of surname spellings before they became standardized.

The Fishley surname is also associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such figure was John Fishley, a merchant and alderman of Norwich in the 15th century, who played a significant role in the city's affairs during his lifetime (c. 1420 – 1490).

Another prominent bearer of the Fishley name was Sir Robert Fishley, a military commander who served in the English Civil War during the 17th century (c. 1610 – 1675). He fought on the Parliamentarian side and was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield.

In the 18th century, a notable individual named Mary Fishley (1720 – 1795) gained recognition as a philanthropist and benefactor in Norfolk. She established several charitable institutions and left a lasting legacy in the region.

Moving into the 19th century, William Fishley (1825 – 1890) was a prominent author and historian who wrote extensively about the history and culture of Norfolk. His works provided invaluable insights into the region's past and helped preserve its rich heritage.

Another notable figure was Sir Edward Fishley (1860 – 1935), a politician and member of the British Parliament who represented a Norfolk constituency for several years. He was known for his advocacy of agricultural interests and his efforts to support rural communities.

Throughout its history, the Fishley surname has been associated with various locations in Norfolk, reflecting its locational origins. While the name may have evolved over time, it has maintained a strong connection to its English roots and the fishing traditions of the region.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Fishley

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Fishley.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Fishley was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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