Origin & Meaning of the Dooley Surname
What does the last name Dooley mean?
The surname Dooley 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 23,481 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dooley ranks as the #1,527 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dooley come from?
The Dooley 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 Dooley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dooley 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 | Dooley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,527 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,481 |
| Per 100K People | 7.96 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dooley
According to the US Census, the Dooley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,481 Americans with the Dooley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.82% |
| Black | 7.11% |
| Hispanic | 2.35% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.59% |
Popularity of Dooley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dooley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dooley surname increased by 683 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dooley
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