Origin & Meaning of the Donley Surname
What does the last name Donley mean?
The surname Donley 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 7,589 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Donley ranks as the #4,675 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Donley come from?
The Donley 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 Donley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Donley 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 | Donley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,675 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,589 |
| Per 100K People | 2.57 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Donley
According to the US Census, the Donley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,589 Americans with the Donley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.6% |
| Black | 8.18% |
| Hispanic | 2.61% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.26% |
| Two or More Races | 1.62% |
Popularity of Donley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Donley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Donley surname increased by 207 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Donley Family
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- ✓ The Donley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Donley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Donley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Donley.
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 Donley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Donley
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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