Origin & Meaning of the Alley Surname
What does the last name Alley mean?
The surname Alley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 14,323 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Alley ranks as the #2,529 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Alley come from?
The Alley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Alley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Alley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Alley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,529 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,323 |
| Per 100K People | 4.86 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Alley
According to the US Census, the Alley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,323 Americans with the Alley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.3% |
| Black | 2.63% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.66% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.8% |
Popularity of Alley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Alley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Alley surname increased by 38 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alley
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