Ensley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #8,174 in the US 4,055 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#8,174
▲ Up 38 since 2000
People in the US
4,055
1.37 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Ensley Surname

What does the last name Ensley mean?

The surname Ensley 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 4,055 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Ensley ranks as the #8,174 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Ensley come from?

The Ensley 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 Ensley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Ensley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Ensley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #8,174
US Count (2010) 4,055
Per 100K People 1.37
First Letter E

Ethnic Distribution of Ensley

According to the US Census, the Ensley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,055 Americans with the Ensley last name.

White 77.83%
Black 15.59%
Hispanic 1.85%
Asian/PI 0.57%
Native American 1.41%
Two+ Races 2.76%
Ethnic distribution of the Ensley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White77.83%
Black15.59%
Hispanic1.85%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.57%
Native American1.41%
Two or More Races2.76%

Popularity of Ensley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Ensley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#8,212
3,716 people
Up 38
Census 2010
#8,174
4,055 people

The number of Americans with the Ensley surname increased by 339 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Ensley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Ensley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Ensley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Ensley.

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 Ensley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ensley

The surname Ensley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Ensley is ranked #8,174 in the United States with approximately 4,055 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Ensley surname is distributed as: 77.8% White, 15.6% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Ensley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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