Origin & Meaning of the Motley Surname
What does the last name Motley mean?
The surname Motley 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 10,274 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Motley ranks as the #3,480 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Motley come from?
The Motley 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 Motley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Motley 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 | Motley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,480 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,274 |
| Per 100K People | 3.48 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Motley
According to the US Census, the Motley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,274 Americans with the Motley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 52.47% |
| Black | 41.06% |
| Hispanic | 2.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.93% |
| Two or More Races | 2.88% |
Popularity of Motley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Motley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Motley surname increased by 308 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Motley
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