Origin & Meaning of the Kirkley Surname
What does the last name Kirkley mean?
The surname Kirkley 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 2,197 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kirkley ranks as the #13,771 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kirkley come from?
The Kirkley 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 Kirkley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kirkley 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 | Kirkley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,771 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,197 |
| Per 100K People | 0.74 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kirkley
According to the US Census, the Kirkley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,197 Americans with the Kirkley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.48% |
| Black | 8.69% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.91% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.96% |
Popularity of Kirkley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kirkley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kirkley surname increased by 113 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkley
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