Origin & Meaning of the Kelley Surname
What does the last name Kelley mean?
The surname Kelley 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 140,693 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kelley ranks as the #198 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kelley come from?
The Kelley 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 Kelley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kelley 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 | Kelley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #198 |
| US Count (2010) | 140,693 |
| Per 100K People | 47.7 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kelley
According to the US Census, the Kelley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 140,693 Americans with the Kelley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.78% |
| Black | 10.8% |
| Hispanic | 2.18% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Kelley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kelley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kelley surname increased by 3,138 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Kelley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelley
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