Origin & Meaning of the Thornley Surname
What does the last name Thornley mean?
The surname Thornley 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 1,725 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Thornley ranks as the #16,624 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Thornley come from?
The Thornley 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 Thornley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Thornley 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 | Thornley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,624 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,725 |
| Per 100K People | 0.58 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Thornley
According to the US Census, the Thornley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,725 Americans with the Thornley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.14% |
| Black | 1.74% |
| Hispanic | 1.51% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Thornley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Thornley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Thornley surname increased by 121 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thornley
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