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.
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.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.3% |
| Black | 1.01% |
| Hispanic | 1.91% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.52% |
Popularity of Lemley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lemley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Lemley surname decreased by 119 between 2000 and 2010.
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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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The Complete Story of the Lemley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Lemley
- ✓ The Lemley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Lemley families live today
- ✓ Notable Lemley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings 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
Top Surnames Starting with L
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter L, ranked by population.
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