Origin & Meaning of the Mosley Surname
What does the last name Mosley mean?
The surname Mosley 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 47,963 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mosley ranks as the #730 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mosley come from?
The Mosley 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 Mosley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mosley 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 | Mosley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #730 |
| US Count (2010) | 47,963 |
| Per 100K People | 16.26 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mosley
According to the US Census, the Mosley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 47,963 Americans with the Mosley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 40.49% |
| Black | 53.16% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 3.15% |
Popularity of Mosley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mosley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mosley surname increased by 3,265 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mosley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mosley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Mosley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mosley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mosley
- ✓ The Mosley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mosley families live today
- ✓ Notable Mosley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Mosley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mosley.
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 Mosley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mosley
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Mosley surname also look for: