Origin & Meaning of the Tinsley Surname
What does the last name Tinsley mean?
The surname Tinsley 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 15,442 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tinsley ranks as the #2,361 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tinsley come from?
The Tinsley 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 Tinsley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tinsley 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 | Tinsley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,361 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,442 |
| Per 100K People | 5.23 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tinsley
According to the US Census, the Tinsley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,442 Americans with the Tinsley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 62.63% |
| Black | 31.36% |
| Hispanic | 2.4% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.47% |
| Native American | 0.51% |
| Two or More Races | 2.64% |
Popularity of Tinsley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tinsley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tinsley surname increased by 608 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Tinsley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Tinsley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tinsley.
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 Tinsley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinsley
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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