Surname Nizeley - Meaning and Origin
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Nizeley: What does the surname Nizeley mean?
The surname Nizeley is of English origins, derived from the Old English-derived words “nyss” or “nise” which meant “a small amount” and “leah” which translated to “clearing in the wood or grassy meadow.” Thus, the surname Nizeley roughly translates to “small clearing in the wood or meadow.” It's likely that the name was given to families settled in a small clearing within a wood or meadow.
Although the exact origin of the surname Nizeley is unknown, records of the Nizeley family go back to the 13th century in Oxfordshire, England. One possible early ancestor was a man named Matthew de Nizeley who was recorded as an appointed justice of the peace in 1245. The Nizeley surname can still be found in Oxfordshire today, as well as throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.
In the present day, the surname Nizeley is rare but still used. Bearers of the name can trace their ancestry back to early Britain, and it is likely that Nizeley families are descended from the same family line. The meaning of the name is a reminder to its bearers that the small can be just as powerful as the large, for a small clearing in the wood or meadow can bring peace and respite to many.
Order DNA origin analysisNizeley: Where does the name Nizeley come from?
The last name Nizeley is most prevalent in England, particularly in the counties of Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is also found in large numbers in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumberland. Additionally, smaller populations of Nizeley can be found in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Nizeley is a locational name derived from a series of placenames including Neville and Neveley - all of which meant 'at the clearing in the new wood'. It is also thought to originate from 'Nevil', from 'Nigo-laes', meaning 'of the champion's people'.
Many of the current bearers of the last name Nizeley can trace its history back centuries, with records of some bearers found in the late 1500s. They were likely found in places including Wyke, Otley, Clifford, and Sedgwick in Westmoreland, along with great concentrations of the name recorded in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379.
Outside of the United Kingdom, the Nizeley name has spread to other countries, especially other English-speaking nations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also common to see variations of the name including Nizel, Nizle, Nyzel, and Nizley, among others.
Today, the last name Nizeley can be found across the world, proudly continued by its many descendants and bearers.
Variations of the surname Nizeley
Nizeley is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name is derived from the Old English words nis, meaning 'nice', and lēah, meaning 'woodland clearing or meadow'. As such, the surname is thought to have originally been an occupational name for someone who either owned or worked on a nice, wooded property.
Variants of the surname Nizeley includeNicely, Nizley, Nisely, Nysly and Nicely.
The variants of Nizeley are used across both English-speaking countries and other nations. For example, in the United States, variations on the surname are often seen spelled as Nisely or Nicely. In Australia and New Zealand, the spelling is often Nysly, while in Canada the spelling Nicely is more common.
The surnames Nicely, Nizley and Nisely may also be found. These spellings, which include a slightly different pronunciation, are derived from the Old English words nis and lēah.
The surname Nizeley may also be found spelled as Nisley, Nysly or Nysley. These spellings are the result of an altered pronunciation of theOld English words.
In the U.K., Nicely, Nizley and Nisely are the most common variants of the name, but Nysly is also found.
Other rare variants of Nizeley include Nice, Nysal and Nise. These are believed to have been derived from the Old English words nisc, meaning 'keen' or 'sharp', and lēah, which as mentioned before means 'woodland clearing or meadow'.
Famous people with the name Nizeley
- Tom Nizeley, the award winning writer best known for Anoydyme, a short film which won Best Student Film at the Aspen Shortsfest
- Robert Nizeley, an American actor best known for roles in films such as The Good Shepherd and Narc
- Paul Nizeley, senior creative at the advertising agency BBDO New York
- Jen Nizeley, a television director and producer best known for her work on the show Veep
- Josh Nizeley, a professional surfer and environmental activist who works closely with The Surfrider Foundation
- Jimmy Nizeley, a renowned guitarist and songwriter who has recorded several albums and appeared on albums by legendary artists such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan
- Chris Nizeley, an audio engineer who has worked with many popular artists including Britney Spears, Katy Perry and the Foo Fighters
- Don Nizeley, a professional photographer specializing in underwater photography
- Jeremy Nizeley, a wildlife photographer best known for his award winning images of raptors and other birds of prey
- Joe Nizeley, a banker and philanthropist who is active in philanthropic work for several organizations, including the American Cancer Society.