Varley

Etymology and Origins

Varley is a surname of Norman origin, derived from a habitational name from Verly in Aisne, Picardy, France. The place name itself comes from the Gallo-Roman personal name Virilius combined with the locative suffix -acum. Following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the original Norman French forms de Verli or de Verley evolved over centuries into the modern English spelling Varley.

Notable Bearers

Among notable individuals with the surname Varley are the English engineer Samuel Varley (1827–1893), known for his contributions to telegraphy and the electric telegraph; the British painter John Varley (1778–1842), a founding member of the Society of Painters in Water Colours; and the Canadian actress and playwright, born Judith Varley.

Distribution

Today, the surname Varley is found predominantly in the United Kingdom, especially in the North of England, as well as in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Australia. Its migration tracks with the Norman influence in England after 1066 and later emigration patterns.

• Meaning: From a place name derived from the Roman name Virilius and suffix -acum
• Origin: Norman French (habitational from places in Normandy/Picardy)
• Type: Surname
• Usage: English, Irish