This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'of Greenhalgh,' a township in the parish of Kirkham, Lancashire Also 'of Greenhalgh,' now Greenhalgh Castle, in Garstang parish, Lancashire, (spelt Greenhaugh; v. Baines' Lancashire. ii. 534). With Greenhough and Greenow, compare enough and enow: halgh = haugh.

Gilbert del Whithalgh, 1397: Preston Guild Rolls.

Arthur Greenhalgh, of Heap, 1576: Wills at Chester.

Thomas Greenhalgh, of Ashton in Winnick, 1584: ibid.

Robert Greenhough, of Great Sankey, 1613: ibid.

James Greenalgh, of Cornerow, 1672: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

Agnes Greencoff, of Dalton, 1635: ibid.

Richard Greenope, of Dalton, 1591:

William Greenup, of Cotton, 1661: ibid.

A single glance at these Wills will show a common origin and stock. Members of the same family are thus entered in the neighbouring register of Ulverston a century later:

1791. Baptised — William, s. Joseph Greenhow, of Scathwaite: Reg. Ulverston Ch.

1810. Buried — Anne, d. John Greenhough: ibid.

Thus every variant is found in entries relating to one stock.

1690. Married — Robert Greenenough and Philadelphia Starr: St. Michael, Cornhill.

1785. David Greenough, vicar of Gill, Barnoldswick: Whitaker's Craven.

The Greenhalghs, who are best represented in the Middleton district, derive their name from a Lancashire township. During the 15th century, the Grenehalghs of Brandlesome were hereditary bailiffs of Tottington, and during the two succeeding centuries they gained and retained the position of gentry (W. W.). The name of Thomas Greenhalgh occurs in the list of intended Knights of the Royal Oak, amongst those of other Lancashire gentlemen, the annual value of his estate being there placed at £1,000: this Order, however, which Charles II. intended as a reward for his followers, was never founded (B.).