Origin & Meaning of the Malley Surname
What does the last name Malley mean?
The surname Malley 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 3,986 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Malley ranks as the #8,313 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Malley come from?
The Malley 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 Malley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Malley 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 | Malley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,313 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,986 |
| Per 100K People | 1.35 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Malley
According to the US Census, the Malley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,986 Americans with the Malley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.32% |
| Black | 3.16% |
| Hispanic | 2.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.25% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Malley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Malley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Malley surname increased by 46 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Malley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Malley
- ✓ The Malley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Malley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Malley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Malley.
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 Malley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Malley
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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