Origin & Meaning of the Cantley Surname
What does the last name Cantley mean?
The surname Cantley 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 1,534 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cantley ranks as the #18,144 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cantley come from?
The Cantley 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 Cantley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cantley 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 | Cantley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,144 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,534 |
| Per 100K People | 0.52 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cantley
According to the US Census, the Cantley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,534 Americans with the Cantley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.77% |
| Black | 9.45% |
| Hispanic | 0.98% |
| Two or More Races | 2.22% |
Popularity of Cantley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cantley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cantley surname decreased by 11 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cantley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cantley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cantley
- ✓ The Cantley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cantley families live today
- ✓ Notable Cantley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Cantley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cantley.
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 Cantley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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