Origin & Meaning of the Hartley Surname
What does the last name Hartley mean?
The surname Hartley 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 31,221 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hartley ranks as the #1,124 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hartley come from?
The Hartley 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 Hartley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hartley 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 | Hartley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,124 |
| US Count (2010) | 31,221 |
| Per 100K People | 10.58 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hartley
According to the US Census, the Hartley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 31,221 Americans with the Hartley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.9% |
| Black | 6.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Hartley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hartley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hartley surname increased by 985 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Hartley Family
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- ✓ The Hartley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Hartley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Hartley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hartley.
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 Hartley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hartley
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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