Presley is a surname and given name. Etymology. The name Presley is derived from the Old English preost, meaning "priest", and leah meaning "forest clearing". History. Most instances of the surname Presley and variants Pressley and Pressly are thought to be of English origin. Later, if not found in some form originating also in Scotland, the name made its way across the border to that country, then on to Ireland and to the United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presley