The Hengsteleg, Henxelegh, Hensleigh name has been found in Devonshire England records dating to 1200 A.D., but regardless of the many spellings the standard spelling of Hensley has become more acceptable.
The Hensley Family History: First recorded in English history as Hengstelge (1228 AD), Henxeleg (1270 AD) and Hensleigh (1350 AD). Surname meaning "dweller of the wood frequented by wild birds" or "dwellers in the woods".
Hensleys lived in Devon Village, located near Tiverton, England in the Seele Manor called Hensleigh House which still stands. Walts de Hensleigh, was master of the house in Ad 1350.
About two hundred and thirty-three (233) years later, William Hensley was born in Hemsley, Norfork, England around 1583 and died in Northhampton County, Virginia in 1654. He migrated to the Virginia Colony with his son James around 1622. James was born in England around 1605 and married about 1621 to Sarah Lyttle. Sarah was born 1606 and died 1665 in Virginia.

<Unknown> (AFN:237P-RBW)
Born:  Abt. 1583 Place:  <Tiverton, Devon (?), England>
Died:  Bef 1622 Place: 
Married:  1604 Place:  , , , England