Origin & Meaning of the Grimsley Surname
What does the last name Grimsley mean?
The surname Grimsley 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 5,848 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Grimsley ranks as the #5,901 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Grimsley come from?
The Grimsley 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 Grimsley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Grimsley 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 | Grimsley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,901 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,848 |
| Per 100K People | 1.98 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Grimsley
According to the US Census, the Grimsley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,848 Americans with the Grimsley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.39% |
| Black | 18.13% |
| Hispanic | 2.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.52% |
Popularity of Grimsley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Grimsley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Grimsley surname increased by 170 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Grimsley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Grimsley.
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 Grimsley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grimsley
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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