Find out how popular the last name Dunkley is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Dunkley.

Dunkley, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Dunkley surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dunkley in America

Dunkley is the 10520th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dunkley surname appeared 3,049 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 1 people would have the surname Dunkley.

We can also compare 2010 data for Dunkley to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Dunkley

The surname Dunkley is believed to have originated in England, with its roots dating back to the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational name, derived from the Old English words "dun" meaning "hill" and "leah" meaning "a clearing or meadow." This suggests that the name may have been given to someone who lived near a meadow on a hill or near a settlement with this type of topography.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire from 1275, where it appears as "Dunkel." This variation in spelling was common during that era and highlights the evolution of the name over time.

In the 13th century, the Dunkley surname also appeared in other historical records, such as the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, where it was spelled as "Dunkeleye." This entry suggests that the name may have been associated with a specific place or locality.

During the 14th century, the name was documented in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire, where it appeared as "Dunkel" and "Dunkeleye." These records provide insights into the taxation and economic status of individuals bearing this surname.

One notable historical figure with the Dunkley surname was John Dunkley, a 16th-century English merchant and explorer. Born in Bristol around 1545, he is known for his voyages to West Africa and the Americas, where he established trade routes and contributed to the expansion of English commerce.

Another prominent individual was Sir William Dunkley (1617-1678), a wealthy English landowner and politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Wiltshire in the 17th century. He played a significant role in the English Civil War and was a staunch supporter of the Parliamentarian cause.

In the 18th century, the Dunkley surname was associated with the village of Dunkley, which was located in the county of Worcestershire. This connection to a specific place further reinforces the locational origins of the name.

Thomas Dunkley (1724-1795), an English clergyman and author, is also noteworthy. He was a prominent figure in the Church of England and wrote several religious works that were widely read during his lifetime.

Another individual of historical significance was Elizabeth Dunkley (1786-1868), a British philanthropist and social reformer. She dedicated her life to improving the living conditions of the poor and advocating for education and healthcare initiatives.

Throughout its history, the Dunkley surname has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, ranging from merchants and explorers to politicians, clergymen, and philanthropists. While its origins can be traced back to medieval England, the name has since spread across the globe, reflecting the diverse journeys and contributions of those who have borne it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dunkley

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Dunkley.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Dunkley was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Dunkley has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Dunkley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dunkley, please contact us.

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