Origin & Meaning of the Willey Surname
What does the last name Willey mean?
The surname Willey 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 13,067 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Willey ranks as the #2,759 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Willey come from?
The Willey 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 Willey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Willey 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 | Willey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,759 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,067 |
| Per 100K People | 4.43 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Willey
According to the US Census, the Willey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,067 Americans with the Willey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.07% |
| Black | 1.47% |
| Hispanic | 1.83% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.47% |
Popularity of Willey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Willey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Willey surname decreased by 78 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Willey
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