Origin & Meaning of the Dalley Surname
What does the last name Dalley mean?
The surname Dalley 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 1,444 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dalley ranks as the #18,910 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dalley come from?
The Dalley 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 Dalley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dalley 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 | Dalley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,910 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,444 |
| Per 100K People | 0.49 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dalley
According to the US Census, the Dalley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,444 Americans with the Dalley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.47% |
| Black | 11.57% |
| Hispanic | 2.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.04% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 3.53% |
Popularity of Dalley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dalley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dalley surname decreased by 825 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Dalley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dalley
- ✓ The Dalley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Dalley families live today
- ✓ Notable Dalley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Dalley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dalley.
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 Dalley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dalley
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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