Origin & Meaning of the Morley Surname
What does the last name Morley mean?
The surname Morley 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 11,028 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Morley ranks as the #3,275 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Morley come from?
The Morley 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 Morley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Morley 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 | Morley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,275 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,028 |
| Per 100K People | 3.74 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Morley
According to the US Census, the Morley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,028 Americans with the Morley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.24% |
| Black | 3.36% |
| Hispanic | 2.89% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.63% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Morley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Morley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Morley surname increased by 213 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Morley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Morley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Morley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Morley.
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 Morley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Morley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Morley surname also look for: