Origin & Meaning of the Tolley Surname
What does the last name Tolley mean?
The surname Tolley 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 5,726 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tolley ranks as the #6,005 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tolley come from?
The Tolley 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 Tolley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tolley 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 | Tolley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,005 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,726 |
| Per 100K People | 1.94 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tolley
According to the US Census, the Tolley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,726 Americans with the Tolley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.51% |
| Black | 2.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.35% |
| Native American | 0.42% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Tolley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tolley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tolley surname increased by 104 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tolley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tolley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Tolley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tolley.
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 Tolley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tolley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Tolley surname also look for: