Cauley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #7,413 in the US 4,491 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#7,413
▼ Down 205 since 2000
People in the US
4,491
1.52 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Cauley Surname

What does the last name Cauley mean?

The surname Cauley 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 4,491 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cauley ranks as the #7,413 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Cauley come from?

The Cauley 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 Cauley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Cauley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Cauley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #7,413
US Count (2010) 4,491
Per 100K People 1.52
First Letter C

Ethnic Distribution of Cauley

According to the US Census, the Cauley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,491 Americans with the Cauley last name.

White 74.55%
Black 20.73%
Hispanic 1.98%
Asian/PI 0.45%
Native American 0.6%
Two+ Races 1.69%
Ethnic distribution of the Cauley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White74.55%
Black20.73%
Hispanic1.98%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.45%
Native American0.6%
Two or More Races1.69%

Popularity of Cauley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cauley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#7,208
4,272 people
Down 205
Census 2010
#7,413
4,491 people

The number of Americans with the Cauley surname increased by 219 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Cauley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cauley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Cauley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cauley.

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 Cauley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cauley

The surname Cauley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Cauley is ranked #7,413 in the United States with approximately 4,491 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Cauley surname is distributed as: 74.5% White, 20.7% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Cauley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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