Origin & Meaning of the Carley Surname
What does the last name Carley mean?
The surname Carley 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 4,880 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Carley ranks as the #6,886 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Carley come from?
The Carley 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 Carley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Carley 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 | Carley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,886 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,880 |
| Per 100K People | 1.65 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Carley
According to the US Census, the Carley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,880 Americans with the Carley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.97% |
| Black | 4.71% |
| Hispanic | 3.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.78% |
| Native American | 1.19% |
| Two or More Races | 1.45% |
Popularity of Carley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Carley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Carley surname decreased by 61 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Carley
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