Lemley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,162 in the US 4,670 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,162
▼ Down 628 since 2000
People in the US
4,670
1.58 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Lemley Surname

What does the last name Lemley mean?

The surname Lemley 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 4,670 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lemley ranks as the #7,162 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Lemley come from?

The Lemley 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 Lemley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Lemley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Lemley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,162
US Count (2010) 4,670
Per 100K People 1.58
First Letter L

Ethnic Distribution of Lemley

According to the US Census, the Lemley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,670 Americans with the Lemley last name.

White 94.3%
Black 1.01%
Hispanic 1.91%
Asian/PI 0.71%
Native American 0.56%
Two+ Races 1.52%
Ethnic distribution of the Lemley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White94.3%
Black1.01%
Hispanic1.91%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.71%
Native American0.56%
Two or More Races1.52%

Popularity of Lemley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lemley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#6,534
4,789 people
Down 628
Census 2010
#7,162
4,670 people

The number of Americans with the Lemley surname decreased by 119 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Lemley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lemley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Lemley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lemley.

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 Lemley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemley

The surname Lemley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Lemley is ranked #7,162 in the United States with approximately 4,670 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Lemley surname is distributed as: 94.3% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Lemley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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