Standley History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of StandleyWhat does the name Standley mean? The Anglo-Saxon name Standley comes from when the family resided in the county of Cumberland in an area that was defined by the Old English word stanley which means astony clearing or stony field. Standley is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. During the Middle Ages, as society became more complex, individuals needed a way to be distinguishable from others. Toponymic surnames were developed as a result of this need. Various features in the landscape or area were used to distinguish people from one another. In this case the original bearers of the surname Standley were named due to their close proximity to the stanley. Early Origins of the Standley familyThe surname Standley was first found in Cambridgeshire at Stonely (Stoneley), a hamlet near Kimbolton and home to Stoneley Priory which was established in 1180 and dissolved in 1536. By the time of the Conquest, there were several listings of the name in the Domesday Book 1 including: Stanlei in Derbyshire and West Yorkshire; Stanlee in Gloucestershire; and Stanlei (now Stoneleigh) in Warwickshire. The place name literally means "stony wood clearing." 2 "Descended from a younger branch of the Barons Audeley, of Audeley in Staffordshire, the name of Stanley, from the manor of that name in this county, in the reign of John, was assumed by William de Audleigh." 3 Another branch of the family was established in very early times in Hornby, Lancashire. "The castle was originally founded soon after the Norman Conquest, and was subsequently the residence of the Stanleys, lords Monteagle, to one of whom the mysterious letter was sent which led to the discovery of the Gunpowder plot." 4 Later "the Stanleys of Alderley, and the Stanleys of Hooton, [became] the sole owners of the township [of Great Meolse, Cheshire.]" 4 Early History of the Standley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Standley research. Another 223 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1350, 1414, 1435, 1442, 1460, 1485, 1503, 1504, 1506, 1531, 1566, 1586, 1593, 1597, 1599, 1625, 1628, 1655, 1660, 1664, 1670, 1672, 1678, 1695, 1698, 1702, 1714 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Standley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Standley Spelling VariationsBefore English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Standley include Stanley, Standley, Stanleigh, Stoneley and others. Early Notables of the Standley familyNotables of this surname at this time include: Sir John Stanley K.G. (c.1350-1414), Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and titular King of Mann; Sir Thomas Stanley (c.1435-1504), created 1st Earl of Derby in 1485; George Stanley, 9th Baron Strange, of Knockyn, KG, KB (1460-1503), an English nobleman and heir apparent of Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby; Sir John Stanley, illegitimate son of James Stanley, Bishop of Ely, in 1506; Sir Thomas Stanley (1597-1672), created 1st Baronet Stanley of Alderley Hall in 1660; Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby KG (1531-1593)... Standley RankingIn the United States, the name Standley is the 5,803rd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 5 Migration of the Standley family to IrelandSome of the Standley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Standley Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Standley Settlers in United States in the 18th CenturyStandley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Standley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Sans changer Motto Translation: Without changing.
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