How common is the Motley surname?

There are approximately 12,000 people with the surname Motley in the United States.

Are there Motley soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 229 soldiers with the Motley surname appear in Civil War records.

Motley

Q: What does the surname Motley mean?

The surname Motley means "Dweller in a mote or meeting place clearing, or possibly referring to a motley or variegated appearance.". It is of English origin.

Topographic

Meaning

Dweller in a mote or meeting place clearing, or possibly referring to a motley or variegated appearance.

Etymology

Derived from Old English 'mot' (meeting place) and 'leah' (clearing), or possibly from 'motley' meaning variegated or mixed in color. The surname likely originated as a topographic designation or descriptive epithet.

About the Motley Surname

An English surname with topographic origins, possibly indicating residence near a meeting place or clearing. The name has been documented in English records since medieval times and has notable bearers in law and literature.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 12,000 bearers in the United States #1,040 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily England and North America, with historical presence throughout English regions.

Motley Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Motley Surname

John Motley

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Topographic
Earliest Record: Medieval England
Estimated Bearers: 12,000

War Records

229 soldiers with the Motley surname found in Civil War records.

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