Origin & Meaning of the Curley Surname
What does the last name Curley mean?
The surname Curley 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 12,211 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Curley ranks as the #2,936 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Curley come from?
The Curley 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 Curley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Curley 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 | Curley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,936 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,211 |
| Per 100K People | 4.14 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Curley
According to the US Census, the Curley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,211 Americans with the Curley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.66% |
| Black | 8.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.34% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 16.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.63% |
Popularity of Curley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Curley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Curley surname increased by 439 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Curley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Curley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Curley
- ✓ The Curley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Curley families live today
- ✓ Notable Curley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Curley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Curley.
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 Curley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curley
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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