Surname Talley - Meaning and Origin

Tracing my Roots: A Personal Journey with the iGENEA DNA Test and the Talley Surname

Venturing into the world of genealogy, I planned to unveil the origins of my surname, Talley, using the iGENEA DNA test. My experience led me not just back to medieval France but offered a window to connect with modern-day Talleys from around the globe.

B. Talley

Talley: What does the surname Talley mean?

Talley is an English surname with origins from the Old French word "taillie", literally translating to "cut wood". It initially denoted someone who lived by or in a forest. This name may have also been used to refer to an individual who worked as a woodcutter or operated a wood-cutting business, connecting their occupation to their identity. Furthermore, the name could have been topographically assigned to individuals who resided near a notable tree or forest. Over centuries, this surname migrated to various countries and experienced slight changes in spelling depending on the region but retained its core meaning. It's important to note that names, being deeply personal and cultural artifacts, can often have multiple meanings, interpretations, and origins that are not always clear and may vary by family line.

Talley: Where does the name Talley come from?

The last name Talley is widely dispersed throughout the United States, although it does not rank among the most common surnames. Talley is most prevalent in the Southern states, especially in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. At the 2010 census, in Alabama alone there were over 2,400 people with the Talley surname.

The surname is believed to have originated in England, with some families settling in Ireland before migrating to the United States. Other Talley families can also trace their roots to Wales and Scotland.

The Talley name is particularly prevalent in the Appalachian and Ozark regions of the Southern United States. Members of the Talley surname can be found in the Bible Belt and in many areas of rural Midwest.

The Talley name can also be found in cities throughout the nation, including Washington D.C. where a statue representing the Talley family stands in the city’s Lafayette Square.

The Talley surname has been adopted by many notable individuals, including former US Senator William Thad Cochran of Mississippi and former Attorney General under President George W. Bush, Alberto Gonzales.

Variations of the surname Talley

The surname Talley is a patronymic name meaning it is derived from a personal name. The spelling variations of Talley include Tally, Telley, Talli, and Tali. Additionally, some variants of Talley are Talleyrand, Tallery, and Taler.

Talley is a popular Anglo-Saxon name that originated in the 12th century. The original form of the surname was derived from the Old French phrase taillé, meaning cut, and was likely given to those involved in woodcutting or metalworking. It has also been suggested that the Talley surname was derived from the Latin talon, meaning “claw.”

In more modern times, the spelling of Talley has evolved to include Talleyrand, Tallery, and Taler. Talleyrand is an English form of the name with an added element of -rand, meaning “shield.” Tallery is an anglicised form of the French name Talleier, and Taler is derived from the German tailleur.

Overall, Talley is an ancient surname from multiple sources and has evolved to include many variants and spellings such as Talleyrand, Tallery, and Taler.

Famous people with the name Talley

• Alan Talley Jr., former American football player
• Roy Talley, former NFL wide receiver
• Blair Talley, former NCAA basketball coach
• Louise Talley, American geologist
• Alondra Talley, American Activist
• Anais Talley, American fashion designer
• Brandi Talley, former professional cheerleader
• Darius Talley, former NCAA basketball player
• Darrell Talley, American former NFL linebacker
• David Talley, AA winner of Greyhound Hall of Fame Award
• Ericka Talley, former executive for Oprah Winfrey Network
• Faith Talley, former college basketball player
• Griffin Talley, American racing driver
• James Talley, American folk singer
• Jessica Talley, former NCAA basketball standout
• Lee Talley, former mosquito control chief
• Leslie Talley, former professional basketball player
• Ted Talley, American screenwriter and playwright
• Tim Talley, former comedian
• William Talley, American diplomat

Other surnames

Tallent