Salley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #6,327 in the US 5,392 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#6,327
▼ Down 432 since 2000
People in the US
5,392
1.83 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Salley Surname

What does the last name Salley mean?

The surname Salley 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 5,392 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Salley ranks as the #6,327 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Salley come from?

The Salley 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 Salley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Salley 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 Salley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #6,327
US Count (2010) 5,392
Per 100K People 1.83
First Letter S

Ethnic Distribution of Salley

According to the US Census, the Salley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,392 Americans with the Salley last name.

White 54.73%
Black 40.8%
Hispanic 1.76%
Asian/PI 0.28%
Native American 0.48%
Two+ Races 1.95%
Ethnic distribution of the Salley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White54.73%
Black40.8%
Hispanic1.76%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.28%
Native American0.48%
Two or More Races1.95%

Popularity of Salley Over Time

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

Census 2000
#5,895
5,376 people
Down 432
Census 2010
#6,327
5,392 people

The number of Americans with the Salley surname increased by 16 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Salley Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Salley

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

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 Salley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salley

The surname Salley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Salley is ranked #6,327 in the United States with approximately 5,392 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 Salley surname is distributed as: 54.7% White, 40.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Salley 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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