Surname Gormly - Meaning and Origin
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Gormly: What does the surname Gormly mean?
The last name Gormly is of English origin, and is thought to be derived from a nickname given to a person who had a great amount of 'gorm' (old English for "grandeur"). It was most likely a name given to someone of respected importance or wealth, and could have originated from either the Yorkshire or Lancashire counties of England.
The earliest reference of the surname was recorded in 1379, when a John de Gormley was attached to a property dispute in Shelf, Yorkshire. Since then, the Gormly name has spread across the United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Canada. In the United States specifically, the Gormly surname appeared in New Jersey shortly after the American Revolution.
Variations of the Gormly surname include Gormley, Gormally, and Gormlie. Common personality traits of those with the last name Gormly include being reliable, assertive, adaptable, and practical.
Today, it is believed there are approximately 5,000 individuals in the United States who have the Gormly surname.
Order DNA origin analysisGormly: Where does the name Gormly come from?
The last name Gormly is most commonly found in the United States. It is quite rare, with the 2020 data showing that there are only 1,231 Gormly's living in the United States today.
The history of the Gormly surname can be traced back to the 12th century in Scotland. It was most likely created by a person with the given name Gormerland, which became Gormly. The surname began to spread as the family moved from Scotland to England and then to America in the 19th century.
It is most commonly found in Pennsylvania, particularly Allegheny County, where more than 400 people with the Gormly last name reside. This is followed by the states of Ohio, West Virginia, and New York, which have the second highest population of Gormly's. It can also be found in smaller amounts all throughout the United States.
The Gormly's continue to represent a reminder of the rich and interesting history of Scotland, and their presence in American history is a testament to their perseverance and determination. Despite their rarity, Gormly's can be found all around the United States as they continue to spread and thrive.
Variations of the surname Gormly
Gormly is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name ‘Gormlaith’ or ‘Gormley’ and is related to the Old Norse words 'gormr' meaning 'fierce', and 'hlatha' meaning 'offering'. Some variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin include Gormlie, Gormley, Gormalley, Gormely, and Ghormley.
Gormly is among the more common of Scottish surnames. It is primarily found in the east of Scotland in the regions of Fife and Angus. It has been found in a variety of records over the centuries including birth, marriage and death records, census, immigration and land records.
Gormly is a very old surname and has been found in various spellings throughout Scotland starting in the 11th century. Examples include ‘Gorm’ listed in 1098 in the Roxburghshire and ‘Gorlich’ in Falkirk in 1287. Throughout Scotland, the spelling of the surname would change depending on the region, dialects and local accents.
Variants of the name Gormly include Gormely, Gormly, Gormalley, Ghormley, Gormley, and Gormlie. In Ireland the surname is found as Gormley and variants MacGormley and Gormly. The surname is also found in the United States, Canada and Australia and other parts of the world.
The Gormly surname is steeped in history and is found in numerous records across centuries and in various countries. The many spellings that have evolved over time are evidence of the name’s ability to evolve and spread in different countries and cultures.
Famous people with the name Gormly
- Samuel Gormly: professional ten-pin bowler who won three PBA Tour titles.
- George Gormley: American sculptor, best known for his large scale sea-themed outdoor installations.
- Kim Gormley: Canadian football player who played for the Edmonton Eskimos and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
- George Gormley: Irish boxer, active in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Tilly Gormly: Actress who starred in The Wire Mantrap, a Western film, and in the TV series The Californians.
- David Gormly: American astrophysicist and professor.
- James Gormly: Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
- Rufus W. Gormly: American author, teacher, and political theorist.
- Paul Gormly: English cricketer who represented Sussex in the 1870s and 1880s.
- John Gormly: American World War II officer and recipient of the Silver Star.