Origin & Meaning of the Finley Surname
What does the last name Finley mean?
The surname Finley 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 37,672 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Finley ranks as the #922 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Finley come from?
The Finley 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 Finley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Finley 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 | Finley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #922 |
| US Count (2010) | 37,672 |
| Per 100K People | 12.77 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Finley
According to the US Census, the Finley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 37,672 Americans with the Finley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.3% |
| Black | 21.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 1.24% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Finley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Finley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Finley surname increased by 798 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Finley
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