Last Name Baxley

The last name "Baxley" is of English origin. It is believed to be a locational surname derived from the place name "Baxley" in Lincolnshire, England. The name "Baxley" could have originally referred to someone who was from or associated with this particular place. Over time, individuals who bore the name "Baxley" may have migrated and spread it to different regions, contributing to its distribution today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Baxley

The meaning and origin of the last name Baxley

The surname Baxley is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. One theory suggests that it is derived from the Middle English word "bakke(s)ley," meaning "field of beans" or "bean field." This suggests that the original bearers of the name were either farmers who grew beans or lived in an area with a distinctive field of beans. Another possible origin is the Old English personal name "Bacca" combined with the suffix "-ley," meaning "meadow." This suggests that the name could have referred to someone who lived near a meadow owned or occupied by a person named Bacca. As with many surnames, Baxley has evolved over time and variations such as Baxlee, Backsley, Baxly, and Bakley can be found. The Baxley surname became more widespread due to migration, and today it is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern states.

Geographical distribution of the last name Baxley

The last name Baxley is primarily found in the United States, with a significant concentration in the southeastern region. It is predominantly concentrated in the states of Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. These areas have historically been the most common locations for families with the surname Baxley. Georgia, in particular, has the largest number of individuals with this last name, likely due to its long-established presence in the state. Outside of the Southeast, the last name Baxley can also be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the United States, such as Texas, California, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Additionally, there may be individuals with the name Baxley residing in other countries, most notably in Canada and the United Kingdom, although their numbers are much smaller compared to those in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Baxley

The last name Baxley has several variations and alternate spellings. Some common variations include Baxly, Baxlee, and Baxlea. These variations may occur due to regional dialects, different pronunciations, or even typographical errors in the recording or transcription of the name. Additionally, variations in spelling may have emerged over time as families migrated to different areas or as individuals made their own spelling preferences. It is also possible that alternate spellings arose from individuals intentionally changing the spelling of their surname for various personal or cultural reasons. However, despite the different variations and spellings, the root of the name remains the same, pointing to a common ancestry for individuals bearing these names.

Famous people with the last name Baxley

One of the famous individuals with the last name Baxley is Howell Baxley, an American attorney and politician. He served as the Attorney General of the United States from 1961 to 1964, during the presidency of John F. Kennedy and the early years of Lyndon B. Johnson's administration. Baxley played a crucial role in enforcing civil rights during a tumultuous time in American history, prosecuting civil rights cases and ensuring the protection of African Americans' voting rights. Another notable figure with the last name Baxley is Scotty Baxley, a former professional American football player. He played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants in the 1980s. Baxley has made significant contributions to the sport and remains remembered for his skills and dedication to the game.

Genealogical research on the last name Baxley

The last name Baxley has a rich genealogical history that can be traced back several centuries. Research reveals that the surname Baxley has English origins and is believed to be a locational surname, derived from a place called Baxley, possibly in Lincolnshire or Suffolk. The name Baxley was first recorded in the early 13th century, suggesting its ancient roots. Over the years, individuals with the surname Baxley migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States. Baxley families can be found in several states, including Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. Many Baxleys have made significant contributions and achievements in their respective fields, adding to the family's legacy. Genealogical research on the Baxley name often involves tracing the family lines and connecting with distant relatives to explore the shared history, heritage, and fascinating stories that have passed down through generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Baxley"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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