This is a topographical name of late medieval origins and is believed to be a variant spelling fo the Domesday Book (1086) "Abboldesi" now more commonly found in the placename and surname of Abbotsley or even Abbotsleigh. However, the name has nothing to do with "Abbots" in any spelling. It derives back to the Olde English pre 7th Century personal name "Eadbeald" (Prosperity-bold) with "Leah" being a farmer or fenced enclosure. That "Yabsley" is a variant spelling would appear to be confirmed by its relatively modern first recordings, several examples being found at St. Leonards, Shoreditch. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Yabsley, which was dated 1762, witness at the Church of St. Leonards, Shoreditch, during the reign of King George III, "Farmer George", 1760 - 1820. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

© Copyright: Name Origin Research 1980 - 2024