Origin & Meaning of the Oakley Surname
What does the last name Oakley mean?
The surname Oakley 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 17,238 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Oakley ranks as the #2,099 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Oakley come from?
The Oakley 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 Oakley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Oakley 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 | Oakley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,099 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,238 |
| Per 100K People | 5.84 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Oakley
According to the US Census, the Oakley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,238 Americans with the Oakley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.98% |
| Black | 9.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Oakley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Oakley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Oakley surname increased by 505 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Oakley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Oakley
- ✓ The Oakley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Oakley families live today
- ✓ Notable Oakley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Oakley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Oakley.
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 Oakley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakley
Top Surnames Starting with O
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter O, ranked by population.
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