Origin & Meaning of the Barkley Surname
What does the last name Barkley mean?
The surname Barkley 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 13,051 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barkley ranks as the #2,764 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Barkley come from?
The Barkley 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 Barkley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Barkley 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 | Barkley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,764 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,051 |
| Per 100K People | 4.42 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Barkley
According to the US Census, the Barkley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,051 Americans with the Barkley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.63% |
| Black | 21.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.92% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Barkley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barkley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Barkley surname increased by 111 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Barkley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Barkley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Barkley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Barkley.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Barkley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barkley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Barkley surname also look for: