Origin & Meaning of the Barley Surname
What does the last name Barley mean?
The surname Barley 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 4,744 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Barley ranks as the #7,054 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Barley come from?
The Barley 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 Barley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Barley 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 | Barley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,054 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,744 |
| Per 100K People | 1.61 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Barley
According to the US Census, the Barley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,744 Americans with the Barley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.49% |
| Black | 18.93% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 1.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.04% |
Popularity of Barley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Barley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Barley surname increased by 182 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Barley
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