Farley is an English surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name "Farlæi," which is composed of the elements "fár" meaning "journey" or "exile," and "lægja" meaning "leg." Thus, Farley can be translated to mean "exile's leg" or "journey's leg."
The name Farley was first used as a given name in the United States during the mid-19th century. It is believed that it may have been inspired by the English surname Farley, which was borne by several early settlers in America.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Farley. One of the most famous was American humorist and writer Richard Farley, who was known for his humorous essays and stories about life in small-town America during the early 20th century.
Today, Farley is still used as both a surname and given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. It remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a historic and meaningful origin.
Statistics on the given name Farley show a steady presence in the United States over time, with five births recorded each year for both 1974 and 1978. This means that over these two years alone, there were a total of ten babies named Farley born across the country.