Show ContentsNoreley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Noreley family

The surname Noreley was first found in Cheshire at Norley, a township, in the lordship of Kingsley, parish of Frodsham, union of Runcorn, hundred of Eddisbury. 1 The place name dates back to 1239 when it was known as Nothleg and literally meant "northern glade or clearing," from the Old English "north" + "leah." 2

The first record of the family was name was actually found in nearby Shropshire where Cristian de Norleg was recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1204. The Assize Rolls of Cheshire listed Honde de Northle in 1288 and later Thurstan de Norleigh was recorded in 1328. 3

Early History of the Noreley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Noreley research. Another 140 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1091, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1535 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Noreley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Noreley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Norley, Norley, Norleigh, Norlea, Norlie, Northley, Nothleigh, Northleigh, Norleighe, Norely and many more.

Early Notables of the Noreley family

More information is included under the topic Early Noreley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Noreley family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Henry Norleigh, who arrived in Virginia sometime between 1666 and 1667; Hen Norley, who came to Virginia in 1669; Mary Norley, who came to Philadelphia in 1736.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook