Origin & Meaning of the Cooley Surname
What does the last name Cooley mean?
The surname Cooley 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 33,231 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Cooley ranks as the #1,054 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Cooley come from?
The Cooley 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 Cooley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Cooley 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 | Cooley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,054 |
| US Count (2010) | 33,231 |
| Per 100K People | 11.27 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Cooley
According to the US Census, the Cooley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 33,231 Americans with the Cooley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.81% |
| Black | 16.87% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.94% |
| Two or More Races | 1.98% |
Popularity of Cooley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Cooley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Cooley surname increased by 944 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Cooley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Cooley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Cooley
- ✓ The Cooley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Cooley families live today
- ✓ Notable Cooley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Cooley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Cooley.
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 Cooley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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