Origin & Meaning of the Shipley Surname
What does the last name Shipley mean?
The surname Shipley 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 19,563 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Shipley ranks as the #1,831 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Shipley come from?
The Shipley 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 Shipley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Shipley 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 | Shipley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,831 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,563 |
| Per 100K People | 6.63 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Shipley
According to the US Census, the Shipley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,563 Americans with the Shipley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.72% |
| Black | 2.93% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Shipley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Shipley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Shipley surname increased by 793 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Shipley Family
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- ✓ The Shipley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Shipley families live today
- ✓ Notable Shipley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Shipley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Shipley.
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 Shipley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipley
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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