Nalley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #6,598 in the US 5,134 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#6,598
▲ Up 446 since 2000
People in the US
5,134
1.74 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Nalley Surname

What does the last name Nalley mean?

The surname Nalley 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 5,134 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nalley ranks as the #6,598 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Nalley come from?

The Nalley 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 Nalley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Nalley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Nalley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #6,598
US Count (2010) 5,134
Per 100K People 1.74
First Letter N

Ethnic Distribution of Nalley

According to the US Census, the Nalley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,134 Americans with the Nalley last name.

White 91.12%
Black 4.07%
Hispanic 2.2%
Asian/PI 0.58%
Native American 0.45%
Two+ Races 1.58%
Ethnic distribution of the Nalley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White91.12%
Black4.07%
Hispanic2.2%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.58%
Native American0.45%
Two or More Races1.58%

Popularity of Nalley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nalley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,044
4,385 people
Up 446
Census 2010
#6,598
5,134 people

The number of Americans with the Nalley surname increased by 749 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Nalley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Nalley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Nalley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Nalley.

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 Nalley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nalley

The surname Nalley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Nalley is ranked #6,598 in the United States with approximately 5,134 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Nalley surname is distributed as: 91.1% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Nalley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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