Origin & Meaning of the Smiley Surname
What does the last name Smiley mean?
The surname Smiley 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 19,829 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Smiley ranks as the #1,812 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Smiley come from?
The Smiley 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 Smiley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Smiley 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 | Smiley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,812 |
| US Count (2010) | 19,829 |
| Per 100K People | 6.72 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Smiley
According to the US Census, the Smiley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 19,829 Americans with the Smiley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 62.45% |
| Black | 30.74% |
| Hispanic | 2.18% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.42% |
| Native American | 1.89% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Smiley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Smiley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Smiley surname increased by 815 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Smiley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smiley
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