Origin & Meaning of the Penley Surname
What does the last name Penley mean?
The surname Penley 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 2,624 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Penley ranks as the #11,928 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Penley come from?
The Penley 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 Penley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Penley 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 | Penley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,928 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,624 |
| Per 100K People | 0.89 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Penley
According to the US Census, the Penley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,624 Americans with the Penley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 96.53% |
| Black | 0.84% |
| Hispanic | 1.26% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 0.8% |
Popularity of Penley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Penley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Penley surname decreased by 5 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Penley
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