Origin & Meaning of the Townsley Surname
What does the last name Townsley mean?
The surname Townsley 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 2,753 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Townsley ranks as the #11,440 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Townsley come from?
The Townsley 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 Townsley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Townsley 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 | Townsley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,440 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,753 |
| Per 100K People | 0.93 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Townsley
According to the US Census, the Townsley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,753 Americans with the Townsley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.58% |
| Black | 7.3% |
| Hispanic | 1.82% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Native American | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Townsley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Townsley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Townsley surname increased by 110 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Townsley
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