Summary

The surname Bentley is of English origin and dates back to medieval times. It is derived from the Old English words 'beonet' meaning 'bent grass' and 'leah' meaning 'woodland' or 'clearing'. This suggests that early bearers of the surname may have lived near or worked in an area with bent grasses or a woodland clearing. Bentley has a rich history and has been recorded in various forms throughout the centuries.
There are
40193
Bentleys in the USA
Bentley is the
862nd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Bentley

JohnBentley

John Bentley was an English actor known for his role as Rumbold in the television sitcom 'Are You Being Served?'

EricBentley

Eric Bentley is a British-born American critic, playwright, and translator, known for his work on modern drama and his translations of playwright Bertolt Brecht.

PhyllisBentley

Phyllis Bentley was an English novelist and playwright, best known for her historical novel 'Inheritance.'

JonBentley

Jon Bentley is a British mathematician and computer scientist, known for his work on computer graphics and his appearances on the television show 'The Gadget Show.'

DavidBentley

David Bentley is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur.

WesBentley

Wes Bentley is an American actor known for his roles in films such as 'American Beauty', 'The Hunger Games' series, and 'Interstellar.'

RichardBentley

Richard Bentley was an English clergyman, scholar, and critic, known for his work on classical literature and his edition of 'Paradise Lost' by John Milton.

ElizabethBentley

Elizabeth Bentley was an American spy for the Soviet Union during World War II and the early years of the Cold War.

MollieBentley

Mollie Bentley was an American jazz and blues singer, best known for her performances with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.

TinaBentley

Tina Bentley is a Canadian model and actress, known for her work in the adult entertainment industry.

Bentley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Bentley' is of English origin and is derived from a place name meaning 'clearing covered with bent grass.' The name was originally associated with various towns and settlements in England, such as Bentley in Worcestershire and Bentley in South Yorkshire.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Bentley' is primarily found in English-speaking countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Within the United States, it has a relatively even distribution across states.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Bentley' include 'Bentlee' and 'Bentley.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Bentley' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, including the United States and Canada, as part of larger migration and immigration patterns.