From a Scottish surname, originally from the name of a town, which may ultimately be derived from Latin basilica 'church'. This is also a word (derived from the name of that same town) for a type of pattern commonly found on fabrics. Paisley originates in Old English and means 'from a glade'. Some sources suggest the Greek origin and meaning 'basilica'. Paisley is the name of a town in Scotland. In the 19th century it was the center of weaving industry and it gave its name to the Paisley shawl and Paisley pattern. It is used as a surname as well.
