Origin & Meaning of the Cearley Surname
What does the last name Cearley mean?
The surname Cearley 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 1,512 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cearley ranks as the #18,326 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cearley come from?
The Cearley 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 Cearley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cearley 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 | Cearley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,326 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,512 |
| Per 100K People | 0.51 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cearley
According to the US Census, the Cearley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,512 Americans with the Cearley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.24% |
| Hispanic | 3.24% |
| Native American | 3.31% |
| Two or More Races | 5.29% |
Popularity of Cearley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cearley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cearley surname increased by 108 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Cearley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Cearley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cearley.
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 Cearley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cearley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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