Henley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #1,717 in the US 20,934 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#1,717
▼ Down 98 since 2000
People in the US
20,934
7.1 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Henley Surname

What does the last name Henley mean?

The surname Henley 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 20,934 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Henley ranks as the #1,717 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Henley come from?

The Henley 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 Henley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Henley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Henley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #1,717
US Count (2010) 20,934
Per 100K People 7.1
First Letter H

Ethnic Distribution of Henley

According to the US Census, the Henley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,934 Americans with the Henley last name.

White 70.0%
Black 24.2%
Hispanic 2.96%
Asian/PI 0.38%
Native American 0.55%
Two+ Races 1.91%
Ethnic distribution of the Henley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White70.0%
Black24.2%
Hispanic2.96%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.38%
Native American0.55%
Two or More Races1.91%

Popularity of Henley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Henley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#1,619
20,276 people
Down 98
Census 2010
#1,717
20,934 people

The number of Americans with the Henley surname increased by 658 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Henley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Henley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Henley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Henley.

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 Henley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henley

The surname Henley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Henley is ranked #1,717 in the United States with approximately 20,934 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Henley surname is distributed as: 70.0% White, 24.2% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Henley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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