Origin & Meaning of the Bowley Surname
What does the last name Bowley mean?
The surname Bowley 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 1,859 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bowley ranks as the #15,692 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bowley come from?
The Bowley 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 Bowley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bowley 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 | Bowley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,692 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,859 |
| Per 100K People | 0.63 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bowley
According to the US Census, the Bowley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,859 Americans with the Bowley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.58% |
| Black | 4.63% |
| Hispanic | 4.63% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.72% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 2.9% |
Popularity of Bowley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bowley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bowley surname increased by 18 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Bowley Family
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- ✓ The Bowley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Bowley families live today
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Similar Surnames to Bowley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bowley.
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 Bowley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bowley
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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