Origin & Meaning of the Medley Surname
What does the last name Medley mean?
The surname Medley 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 13,630 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Medley ranks as the #2,641 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Medley come from?
The Medley 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 Medley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Medley 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 | Medley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,641 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,630 |
| Per 100K People | 4.62 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Medley
According to the US Census, the Medley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,630 Americans with the Medley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.34% |
| Black | 24.3% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.37% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Medley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Medley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Medley surname increased by 478 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Medley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medley
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