Asterley Family History

From Asterley in Pontesbury (Shrops), which is recorded as Esterleg' in 1255–56, Astreleye in 1291–92, and Asturley in 1396. The place-name derives from Old English ēasterra ‘more eastern’ + lēah ‘wood woodland clearing’.

Some of the early bearers, particularly those recorded outside of Shrops in 1439 and 1549, may take their names from Asterleigh (Oxon). However, the 1881 distribution of the surname strongly suggests that Asterley (Shrops) is the most likely place of origin for the modern surname.