Origin & Meaning of the Woodley Surname
What does the last name Woodley mean?
The surname Woodley 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 6,982 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Woodley ranks as the #5,026 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Woodley come from?
The Woodley 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 Woodley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Woodley 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 | Woodley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,026 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,982 |
| Per 100K People | 2.37 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Woodley
According to the US Census, the Woodley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,982 Americans with the Woodley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 46.29% |
| Black | 46.68% |
| Hispanic | 3.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.34% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 2.75% |
Popularity of Woodley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Woodley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Woodley surname increased by 379 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Woodley Family
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- ✓ The Woodley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Woodley families live today
- ✓ Notable Woodley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Woodley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Woodley.
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 Woodley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woodley
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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