Origin & Meaning of the Eley Surname
What does the last name Eley mean?
The surname Eley 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 4,848 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Eley ranks as the #6,921 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Eley come from?
The Eley 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 Eley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Eley 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 | Eley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,921 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,848 |
| Per 100K People | 1.64 |
| First Letter | E |
Ethnic Distribution of Eley
According to the US Census, the Eley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,848 Americans with the Eley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 48.68% |
| Black | 47.32% |
| Hispanic | 1.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.27% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 2.12% |
Popularity of Eley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Eley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Eley surname increased by 173 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Eley Family
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- ✓ The Eley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Eley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Eley.
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 Eley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eley
Top Surnames Starting with E
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter E, ranked by population.
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