Origin & Meaning of the Holley Surname
What does the last name Holley mean?
The surname Holley 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 30,231 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Holley ranks as the #1,163 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Holley come from?
The Holley 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 Holley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Holley 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 | Holley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,163 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,231 |
| Per 100K People | 10.25 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Holley
According to the US Census, the Holley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,231 Americans with the Holley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 65.06% |
| Black | 29.8% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Holley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Holley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Holley surname increased by 1,016 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Holley
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