UK surname
A locative surname derived from a place name, likely referring to someone from a place called Scalhil or Scalehil.
In the 1881 census there were 48 people recorded with the Scalley surname, ranking it #26,869 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 43, ranked #35,285, down from #26,869 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to New Monkland, Bothwell and Walthamstow, Low Leyton. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Scalley is 108 in 1891. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 10.4%.
1881 census count
48
Ranked #26,869
Modern count
43
2016, ranked #35,285
Peak year
1891
108 bearers
Map years
1
1891 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Scalley surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Scalley surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 22 | #29,378 |
| 1861 | historical | 52 | #27,369 |
| 1881 | historical | 48 | #26,869 |
| 1891 | historical | 108 | #22,828 |
| 1901 | historical | 68 | #26,598 |
| 1911 | historical | 41 | #28,802 |
| 1997 | modern | 37 | #33,964 |
| 1998 | modern | 41 | #33,747 |
| 1999 | modern | 45 | #33,511 |
| 2000 | modern | 44 | #33,602 |
| 2001 | modern | 41 | #33,753 |
| 2002 | modern | 46 | #33,631 |
| 2003 | modern | 42 | #34,040 |
| 2004 | modern | 45 | #33,957 |
| 2005 | modern | 44 | #34,255 |
| 2006 | modern | 44 | #34,568 |
| 2007 | modern | 44 | #34,760 |
| 2008 | modern | 47 | #34,699 |
| 2009 | modern | 50 | #34,663 |
| 2010 | modern | 54 | #34,582 |
| 2011 | modern | 51 | #34,751 |
| 2012 | modern | 47 | #34,992 |
| 2013 | modern | 47 | #35,071 |
| 2014 | modern | 44 | #35,241 |
| 2015 | modern | 44 | #35,212 |
| 2016 | modern | 43 | #35,285 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around New Monkland, Bothwell, Walthamstow, Low Leyton, Leeds and Birstall. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Monkland | Lanark |
| 2 | Bothwell | Lanark |
| 3 | Walthamstow, Low Leyton | Essex |
| 4 | Leeds | Yorkshire, West Riding |
| 5 | Birstall | Yorkshire, West Riding |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Scalley surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Scalley, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Scalley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Scalley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Scalley is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Scalley is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Scalley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Scalley is of English origin and dates back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, particularly in counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name is derived from the Old English word "scalu," which means "small" or "thin."
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Scalley can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire from the 13th century, where it appears as "Scaly." This variation in spelling was common during that time due to the lack of standardized spellings.
In the 14th century, the Scalley surname appeared in various records, including the Hundred Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1273, where it was recorded as "Skayley." This variation suggests a possible connection to the place name "Scawley" in Derbyshire, which may have influenced the spelling.
During the 16th century, the Scalley surname gained prominence with notable figures such as John Scalley (1510-1578), a renowned scholar and theologian from Yorkshire. He was known for his works on religious reform and played a significant role in the English Reformation.
Another notable bearer of the Scalley name was William Scalley (1628-1692), a merchant and landowner from Lancashire. He was instrumental in establishing trade routes between England and the American colonies, contributing to the economic growth of the region.
In the 18th century, the Scalley surname appeared in various parish records across England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire. One notable individual from this period was Elizabeth Scalley (1745-1812), a prominent philanthropist and advocate for educational reform in Yorkshire.
The 19th century saw the Scalley surname continue to spread across England, with notable individuals like Thomas Scalley (1812-1882), a renowned architect who designed several churches and public buildings in London and the surrounding areas.
Another significant figure was James Scalley (1867-1943), a prominent politician and Member of Parliament for the constituency of Sheffield during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a crucial role in shaping labor laws and advocating for workers' rights.
While the Scalley surname has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world due to migration and immigration. However, the earliest recorded instances and the majority of historical references can be traced back to the northern regions of England, particularly Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Derbyshire.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Scalley surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Essex leads with 12 Scalleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 12.99x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Essex | 12 | 12.99x |
| Staffordshire | 11 | 6.96x |
| Cheshire | 7 | 6.78x |
| Lancashire | 6 | 1.08x |
| Yorkshire | 6 | 1.29x |
| Derbyshire | 3 | 4.09x |
| Middlesex | 1 | 0.21x |
| Nottinghamshire | 1 | 1.59x |
| Warwickshire | 1 | 0.85x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Walthamstow in Essex leads with 12 Scalleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 360.36x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Walthamstow | 12 | 360.36x |
| Nantwich | 7 | 583.33x |
| Leeds | 6 | 22.91x |
| Bilston | 5 | 163.40x |
| Stoke Upon Trent | 5 | 29.85x |
| Derby St Michael | 3 | 2000.00x |
| Manchester | 3 | 12.01x |
| Liverpool | 2 | 5.93x |
| Birmingham | 1 | 2.54x |
| Blackrod | 1 | 144.93x |
| Islington London | 1 | 2.20x |
| Mansfield | 1 | 45.87x |
| Newcastle Under Lyme | 1 | 35.71x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Scalley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Scalley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Scalley households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 4 |
| Stone Mason | 3 |
| Ag Lab | 2 |
| Artifical Florist | 2 |
| Bricklayers Labourer | 2 |
| Labourer | 2 |
| Silk Winder | 2 |
| Boot Machinist | 1 |
| Boot Maker | 1 |
| Carter | 1 |
| Farm Lab | 1 |
| Glass Cutter | 1 |
| House Keeper | 1 |
| Housekeeper | 1 |
| Ironworker | 1 |
| Mason's Labourer | 1 |
| Potters Gilder | 1 |
| Pressworker (Pen) | 1 |
| Tailor | 1 |
| Wardrobe Dealer | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 48 people were recorded with the Scalley surname. That placed it at #26,869 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 43 in 2016. That gives Scalley a modern rank of #35,285.
A locative surname derived from a place name, likely referring to someone from a place called Scalhil or Scalehil.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Scalley bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.