Origin & Meaning of the Stanley Surname
What does the last name Stanley mean?
The surname Stanley 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 96,867 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Stanley ranks as the #321 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Stanley come from?
The Stanley 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 Stanley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Stanley 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 | Stanley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #321 |
| US Count (2010) | 96,867 |
| Per 100K People | 32.84 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Stanley
According to the US Census, the Stanley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 96,867 Americans with the Stanley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.79% |
| Black | 15.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.27% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 1.16% |
| Two or More Races | 1.95% |
Popularity of Stanley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Stanley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Stanley surname increased by 3,050 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 Stanley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stanley
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