Origin & Meaning of the Berkley Surname
What does the last name Berkley mean?
The surname Berkley 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 4,750 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Berkley ranks as the #7,050 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Berkley come from?
The Berkley 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 Berkley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Berkley 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 | Berkley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,050 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,750 |
| Per 100K People | 1.61 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Berkley
According to the US Census, the Berkley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,750 Americans with the Berkley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 66.82% |
| Black | 26.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.88% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 0.69% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Berkley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Berkley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Berkley surname increased by 236 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Berkley
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