Surname Shackley - Meaning and Origin

Shackley: What does the surname Shackley mean?

The surname Shackley is of English origin and is considered topographic, meaning it is based on a geographical location. It's derived from the Old English words "sceacga," meaning copse or small wood, and "leah," which translates to clearing or meadow. Therefore, Shackley would mean 'clearing or meadow with a copse or small wood.' This suggests that the original bearers of this name likely lived or worked near such a location. These types of surnames often became attached to individuals and families residing in or near these areas and were passed down through generations. Since spellings could vary in earlier times due to different dialects and poor literacy, there can be different variations of the surname, including Shackly, Shackel, and Shackle. As with many surnames, tracking the exact origin can be complex due to the migration and blending of families over centuries.

Shackley: Where does the name Shackley come from?

The Shackley surname is common in the United Kingdom, particularly in parts of England. They can be found particularly in Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. In Devon, there are a few Shackleys; most are found in the parish of Ilfracombe, but there are some in a few other villages in that county.

The Shackley surname is also present in parts of the United States and Canada, the majority of whom are probably descendants of the British settlers who first brought the name across the Atlantic in the 1600s. Countries like Australia and New Zealand also have a few Shackley households, though not as many as Britain and North America.

There is also a Shackley family in South Africa, descendants of an imigrant family who came there in the 1930s. Of those who spell their surname differently (e.g. Shackely, Shackeley, etc.), most can be found in the United States, although some exist in other countries.

Overall, the Shackley surname is quite widely spread - though some variants of the name are more rare than others.

Variations of the surname Shackley

Shackley is a prominent and prominent English surname, originating from the English county of Essex. It is a surname derived from the old English word 'sack' which was used for a type of leather bag or satchel. The first known use of this name dates back to the 14th century in Essex.

The various variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Shackley are Shackle, Shakel, Shakeley, Shakle, Shacklee, Shackell, Shackly, Shackleford, Shacklemore, Shackleton, Shakleton, Shacklehurst, Shawcle, Schackle and including the double barrelled surname of Shackley-McClure.

The surname Shackley is most commonly found in Devon, Thames Valley and Essex regions of England, but is also found in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and the United States. It is also thought to have its roots in Scandinavia, with a number of immigrants to England bearing the Shackley name.

The surname Shackley, and its variants, has been prominent throughout the centuries, seeing a number of prominent individuals with the name. Famous people with the surname Shackley including BBC Radio personality Sarah Shackleton and A.J. Shackleton, an English rugby fullback.

Famous people with the name Shackley

• Robert W. Shackley: Robert W. Shackley was born in Washington D.C. in 1932. He was an executive for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He served as Deputy Director of the CIA from 1975 to 1978, during the Carter and Reagan administrations.
• Tom Shackley: Tom Shackley was born in Michigan in 1944. He was an intelligence officer, the Chief of Station for the CIA in Tehran, and an editor for many publications enhanced by his undercover field experiences.
• Nicholas Shackley: Nicholas Shackley was born in Massachusetts in 1908. He was a renowned musician and educator, teaching at the Longy School of Music and the Music Associates of America. He was also a composer, conductor, organist, and lecturer.
• Bob Shackley: Bob Shackley was born in Pennsylvania in 1923. He was an executive in the Greenlee tool and equipment company for 28 years. He was also an active member of the church and a local civic leader.
• Shirley Shackley: Shirley Shackley was born in California in 1925. She worked as an editor and a book reviewer for the San Francisco Examiner, among other publications. She was also an active volunteer for many charitable organizations.
• Elliott Skinner Shackley: Elliott Skinner Shackley was born in 1899. He was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and served as the Chief of Naval Intelligence from 1937 to 1939. After retiring, he moved to Paris and worked as a yachting advisor.

Other surnames

ShacklandShacklefordShackles