Morley is an English given name derived from a surname, which in turn originates from various place names in the United Kingdom. The place name combines the Old English elements mor, meaning “marsh,” and lēah, meaning “clearing in the woods,” thus denoting a “marsh clearing.”History and UsageAs a toponymic surname, Morley identifies individuals who came from locations such as Morley in Derbyshire, West Yorkshire, or Norfolk. The transition from surname to given name is a common pattern in English naming practices, particularly where the surname carried prestige or was the mother’s maiden name. As a boys’ first name, Morley saw modest use, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but remains relatively rare today.Notable BearersNotable individuals bearing the surname Morley include Christopher Morley (1890–1957), the American writer and editor known for bestselling novels like Kitty Foyle and his co-founding of the Saturday Review of Literature. Among first names, Morley Safer (1931–2016) was a renowned Canadian-American correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes. The name appears infrequently as a first name in modern public records.Variants and Related FormsMorley does not have common diminutive or variant forms in English due to its origin as a transferred surname. However, it shares the same Old English root with other toponymic names referencing a “clearing,” laying out a grassy field turned into settlement. The name remains predominantly English in usage.Key facts:Meaning: “marsh clearing”Origin: English (Old English)Type: First name (derived from surname)Usage Regions: English-speaking countries