Thornley Name Meaning

The name Thornley is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "thorn" and "leah," which mean "thorny meadow" or "clearing with thorn bushes."

As a surname, Thornley can be found mainly in northern England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Durham. It likely originated from a place name and was then adopted as a surname by people who lived in or near Thornley villages or settlements.