Stanley

English

Etymology

From places in England, Old English stān (“stone”) + lēah (“meadow”).

• The given name has also been used as a anglicisation of Stanisław, Stanislav and related names.

Proper noun

Stanley

1. A habitational surname.
2. Any of several places, outside England named for persons with the surname.
3. A male given name transferred from the surname. Popular in early 20th century.

Quotations

• 1593 William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act IV, Scene IV

  Go then and muster men: but leave behind

  Your son George Stanley: look your heart be firm

  Or else his head's assurance is but frail.

• 1990 Ed McBain, Vespers, W.Morrow, ISBN 0877959870, page 61

  The man was named Stanley. This was his real name; who on earth would want to change his name to Stanley unless he planned on becoming a dentist?