Origin & Meaning of the Cawley Surname
What does the last name Cawley mean?
The surname Cawley 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 5,451 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cawley ranks as the #6,268 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cawley come from?
The Cawley 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 Cawley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cawley 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 | Cawley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,268 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,451 |
| Per 100K People | 1.85 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cawley
According to the US Census, the Cawley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,451 Americans with the Cawley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.79% |
| Black | 4.26% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.05% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Cawley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cawley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cawley surname increased by 81 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Cawley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cawley.
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 Cawley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cawley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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