Charley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,876 in the US 4,201 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,876
▲ Up 438 since 2000
People in the US
4,201
1.42 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Charley Surname

What does the last name Charley mean?

The surname Charley 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 4,201 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Charley ranks as the #7,876 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Charley come from?

The Charley 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 Charley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Charley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Charley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,876
US Count (2010) 4,201
Per 100K People 1.42
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Charley

According to the US Census, the Charley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,201 Americans with the Charley last name.

White 20.07%
Black 15.35%
Hispanic 2.62%
Asian/PI 3.28%
Native American 56.18%
Two+ Races 2.5%
Ethnic distribution of the Charley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White20.07%
Black15.35%
Hispanic2.62%
Asian/Pacific Islander3.28%
Native American56.18%
Two or More Races2.5%

Popularity of Charley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Charley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#8,314
3,665 people
Up 438
Census 2010
#7,876
4,201 people

The number of Americans with the Charley surname increased by 536 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Charley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Charley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Charley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Charley.

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 Charley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Charley

The surname Charley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Charley is ranked #7,876 in the United States with approximately 4,201 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Charley surname is distributed as: 20.1% White, 15.3% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Charley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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