Polley

Polley is an English surname derived from the Old French word poli, meaning "polite, courteous". It originally served as a nickname for a well-mannered or refined person. The name likely entered England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when many French words and names were introduced into the English language. Over time, the surname became hereditary.

Notable Bearers

Notable individuals with the surname Polley include Canadian actress and filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for her work in Stories We Tell and Away from Her. Other figures include John Polley, a 19th-century Australian cricketer, and Andrew Polley, a former English professional footballer.

Distribution

According to the 2010 United States Census, Polley ranked 7042nd in frequency among surnames, carried by 4,756 individuals. A substantial majority (87.64%) were identified as White.

• Meaning: Polite, courteous
• Origin: Old French poli
• Type: Surname (Nickname origin)
• Usage Regions: English-speaking world, particularly the U.S. and U.K.