Origin & Meaning of the Whitley Surname
What does the last name Whitley mean?
The surname Whitley 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 26,732 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitley ranks as the #1,313 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitley come from?
The Whitley 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 Whitley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitley 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 | Whitley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,313 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,732 |
| Per 100K People | 9.06 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitley
According to the US Census, the Whitley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,732 Americans with the Whitley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.22% |
| Black | 22.85% |
| Hispanic | 2.09% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.89% |
Popularity of Whitley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitley surname increased by 654 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Whitley Family
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- ✓ The Whitley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Whitley families live today
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Similar Surnames to Whitley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Whitley.
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 Whitley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitley
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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