Origin & Meaning of the Greeley Surname
What does the last name Greeley mean?
The surname Greeley 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 4,246 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Greeley ranks as the #7,796 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Greeley come from?
The Greeley 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 Greeley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Greeley 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 | Greeley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,796 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,246 |
| Per 100K People | 1.44 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Greeley
According to the US Census, the Greeley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,246 Americans with the Greeley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.92% |
| Black | 2.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 1.2% |
Popularity of Greeley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Greeley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Greeley surname increased by 68 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Greeley
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