Origin & Meaning of the Bentley Surname
What does the last name Bentley mean?
The surname Bentley 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 40,193 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bentley ranks as the #862 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bentley come from?
The Bentley 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 Bentley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bentley 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 | Bentley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #862 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,193 |
| Per 100K People | 13.63 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bentley
According to the US Census, the Bentley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,193 Americans with the Bentley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.48% |
| Black | 12.38% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Bentley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bentley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bentley surname increased by 1,479 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Bentley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Bentley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bentley.
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 Bentley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bentley
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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