The surname Nibley has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon era of England, originating from the Old English words "nib" meaning "beak" or "small hill" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." It is believed to have been derived from a place name, potentially referring to a settlement located on a small hill near a meadow or clearing.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nibley can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as "Nibelai" in the county of Gloucestershire. This suggests that the name may have originated in the southwestern region of England during the Anglo-Saxon period.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various records with spellings such as "Nybeleg" and "Nybelee," indicating its evolution over time. One notable mention is in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1230, where a person named William de Nibley is listed as owing taxes.

During the 14th century, the surname Nibley began to appear in other parts of England, possibly due to migration or the establishment of new settlements. In the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1327, a Robert de Nybelee is recorded as a taxpayer.

One of the earliest known individuals with the surname Nibley was John Nibley, born around 1480 in Gloucestershire. He served as a yeoman farmer and is mentioned in local records from the late 15th century.

Another notable figure was William Nibley, born in 1592 in Gloucestershire. He was a successful merchant and landowner, and his descendants continued to reside in the region for several generations.

In the 17th century, the Nibley family had established themselves as prominent landowners and gentry in Gloucestershire. Sir John Nibley, born in 1620, was a respected member of the local community and served as a magistrate and justice of the peace.

Moving into the 18th century, the name Nibley continued to be associated with the Gloucestershire region. Thomas Nibley, born in 1725, was a notable clergyman and served as the vicar of several parishes in the area.

As the Industrial Revolution took hold in the 19th century, members of the Nibley family began to migrate to other parts of England and even abroad. One such individual was Charles Nibley, born in 1805, who became a successful industrialist and entrepreneur in the city of Bristol.

While the surname Nibley has its roots in the southwestern region of England, particularly Gloucestershire, it has since spread to other parts of the world through migration and travel. However, its origins can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon era, with the name derived from a combination of Old English words referring to a settlement on a small hill near a meadow or clearing.