Origin & Meaning of the Fairley Surname
What does the last name Fairley mean?
The surname Fairley 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 6,398 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Fairley ranks as the #5,441 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Fairley come from?
The Fairley 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 Fairley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Fairley 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 | Fairley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,441 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,398 |
| Per 100K People | 2.17 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Fairley
According to the US Census, the Fairley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,398 Americans with the Fairley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 31.68% |
| Black | 63.21% |
| Hispanic | 1.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 2.53% |
Popularity of Fairley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Fairley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Fairley surname increased by 675 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Fairley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Fairley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Fairley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Fairley.
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 Fairley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Fairley surname also look for: