Pilley

The surname Pilley has its origins in England, and can be traced back to the mid-12th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "pyll," meaning a small stream or creek, and the suffix "-ey" or "-y," which denoted a place or location. This suggests that the name was initially given to individuals who lived near a small stream or creek.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire, dated around 1170, where it appears as "de Pille." This indicates that the name was originally a locational surname, referring to a person from a place called Pille or Pilley.

The Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and properties in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror, does not contain any direct references to the surname Pilley. However, it does mention several places with similar names, such as "Pillei" in Derbyshire and "Pille" in Oxfordshire, which could be related to the origin of the surname.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in various forms, including "de Pille," "de Pilley," and "de Pylly." This variation in spelling was common during this period, as standardized spellings had not yet been established.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the surname Pilley was John de Pilley, who was mentioned in the Lay Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327. Another notable figure was William Pilley, a landowner in Gloucestershire, who was mentioned in the Inquisitiones Post Mortem records in 1428.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the surname Pilley became more widespread and appeared in various parts of England. Some notable individuals from this period include:

1. Richard Pilley (c. 1530-1594), an English clergyman and author. 2. John Pilley (1556-1626), a playwright and actor in London during the Elizabethan era. 3. Margaret Pilley (c. 1580-1638), a midwife and herbalist in Stratford-upon-Avon, known for her association with William Shakespeare's family.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the surname Pilley continued to be found in various parts of England, with some families migrating to other parts of the world, such as North America and Australia. Notable individuals from this period include:

1. Thomas Pilley (1756-1831), an English-born merchant and landowner in Virginia, USA. 2. Elizabeth Pilley (1828-1905), an English artist and portrait painter.

Throughout its history, the surname Pilley has undergone various spelling variations, including Pilly, Pylly, Pillie, and Pilie, reflecting the inconsistencies in spelling during earlier periods. While not a particularly common surname, the name has persisted and is still found in various parts of the world today.