Origin & Meaning of the Nunley Surname
What does the last name Nunley mean?
The surname Nunley 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 9,046 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Nunley ranks as the #3,936 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Nunley come from?
The Nunley 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 Nunley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Nunley 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 | Nunley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,936 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,046 |
| Per 100K People | 3.07 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Nunley
According to the US Census, the Nunley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,046 Americans with the Nunley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.11% |
| Black | 17.91% |
| Hispanic | 2.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.21% |
| Native American | 0.96% |
| Two or More Races | 2.66% |
Popularity of Nunley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Nunley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Nunley surname increased by 544 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nunley
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