Origin & Meaning of the Brinkley Surname
What does the last name Brinkley mean?
The surname Brinkley 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 13,695 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Brinkley ranks as the #2,632 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Brinkley come from?
The Brinkley 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 Brinkley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Brinkley 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 | Brinkley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,632 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,695 |
| Per 100K People | 4.64 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Brinkley
According to the US Census, the Brinkley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,695 Americans with the Brinkley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.19% |
| Black | 27.67% |
| Hispanic | 2.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.28% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 2.19% |
Popularity of Brinkley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Brinkley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Brinkley surname increased by 574 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Brinkley
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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 Brinkley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brinkley
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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