Origin & Meaning of the Colley Surname
What does the last name Colley mean?
The surname Colley 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 8,887 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Colley ranks as the #3,996 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Colley come from?
The Colley 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 Colley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Colley 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 | Colley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,996 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,887 |
| Per 100K People | 3.01 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Colley
According to the US Census, the Colley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,887 Americans with the Colley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.22% |
| Black | 12.23% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Colley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Colley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Colley surname increased by 180 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Colley Family
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- ✓ The Colley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Colley families live today
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Similar Surnames to Colley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Colley.
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 Colley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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