Origin & Meaning of the Skelley Surname
What does the last name Skelley mean?
The surname Skelley 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 1,560 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Skelley ranks as the #17,921 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Skelley come from?
The Skelley 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 Skelley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Skelley 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 | Skelley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,921 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,560 |
| Per 100K People | 0.53 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Skelley
According to the US Census, the Skelley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,560 Americans with the Skelley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.87% |
| Hispanic | 2.76% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.28% |
Popularity of Skelley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Skelley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Skelley surname increased by 205 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Skelley
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