Origin & Meaning of the Kirtley Surname
What does the last name Kirtley mean?
The surname Kirtley 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 2,786 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kirtley ranks as the #11,327 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kirtley come from?
The Kirtley 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 Kirtley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kirtley 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 | Kirtley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,327 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,786 |
| Per 100K People | 0.94 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kirtley
According to the US Census, the Kirtley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,786 Americans with the Kirtley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.26% |
| Black | 6.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.55% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Kirtley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kirtley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kirtley surname increased by 131 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kirtley
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