Origin & Meaning of the Hinkley Surname
What does the last name Hinkley mean?
The surname Hinkley 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 4,271 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hinkley ranks as the #7,771 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hinkley come from?
The Hinkley 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 Hinkley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hinkley 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 | Hinkley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,771 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,271 |
| Per 100K People | 1.45 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hinkley
According to the US Census, the Hinkley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,271 Americans with the Hinkley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.45% |
| Black | 0.56% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Hinkley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hinkley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hinkley surname increased by 135 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Hinkley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Hinkley
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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 Hinkley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hinkley
Top Surnames Starting with H
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