Origin & Meaning of the Townley Surname
What does the last name Townley mean?
The surname Townley 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 3,947 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Townley ranks as the #8,386 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Townley come from?
The Townley 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 Townley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Townley 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 | Townley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,386 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,947 |
| Per 100K People | 1.34 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Townley
According to the US Census, the Townley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,947 Americans with the Townley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.21% |
| Black | 2.1% |
| Hispanic | 1.77% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.25% |
| Native American | 0.99% |
| Two or More Races | 1.67% |
Popularity of Townley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Townley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Townley surname increased by 26 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Townley
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