Isley

Isley is a surname of English origin, first appearing in the Middle Ages and traditionally associated with families residing in the West Midlands. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English words ‘is’, meaning ‘ice’, and ‘leah’, meaning ‘clearing’, suggesting a geographic reference to a settlement near a cold, cleared area.

Notable individuals bearing the name include the American R&B group the Isley Brothers, formed in 1954 by brothers O'Kelly, Ronald, and Rudolph Isley. The trio and later their extended family members gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s with hits such as "Shout" and "Higher and Higher". Their music has influenced a wide range of genres, from soul and funk to hip‑hop, with the family’s catalog frequently sampled in contemporary recordings.

Other prominent people with the surname include musician Zeke Isley, known for his collaborations with Jennifer Lopez; British politician Susan Isley, who served as a Member of Parliament for North West London from 1985 to 1997; and Canadian author Margaret Isley, whose novel *The Drift* was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2008.

The name also appears in geographic contexts, such as Isley Lane, a small residential street in the borough of Hull, England, historically noted for its Victorian architecture. While the surname remains relatively uncommon, its bearers have made contributions across music, politics, literature, and local community life.