Origin & Meaning of the Beckley Surname
What does the last name Beckley mean?
The surname Beckley 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 5,429 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Beckley ranks as the #6,291 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Beckley come from?
The Beckley 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 Beckley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Beckley 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 | Beckley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,291 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,429 |
| Per 100K People | 1.84 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Beckley
According to the US Census, the Beckley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,429 Americans with the Beckley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.0% |
| Black | 14.15% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.44% |
| Two or More Races | 2.28% |
Popularity of Beckley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Beckley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Beckley surname increased by 182 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beckley
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