Origin & Meaning of the Coley Surname
What does the last name Coley mean?
The surname Coley 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 15,671 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Coley ranks as the #2,326 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Coley come from?
The Coley 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 Coley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Coley 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 | Coley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,326 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,671 |
| Per 100K People | 5.31 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Coley
According to the US Census, the Coley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,671 Americans with the Coley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 50.7% |
| Black | 42.86% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.72% |
Popularity of Coley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Coley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Coley surname increased by 792 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Coley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coley
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