Origin & Meaning of the Handley Surname
What does the last name Handley mean?
The surname Handley 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 9,722 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Handley ranks as the #3,657 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Handley come from?
The Handley 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 Handley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Handley 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 | Handley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,657 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,722 |
| Per 100K People | 3.3 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Handley
According to the US Census, the Handley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,722 Americans with the Handley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.03% |
| Black | 10.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.73% |
| Two or More Races | 1.92% |
Popularity of Handley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Handley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Handley surname increased by 51 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Handley
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