Origin & Meaning of the Foley Surname
What does the last name Foley mean?
The surname Foley 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 51,865 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Foley ranks as the #661 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Foley come from?
The Foley 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 Foley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Foley 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 | Foley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #661 |
| US Count (2010) | 51,865 |
| Per 100K People | 17.58 |
| First Letter | F |
Ethnic Distribution of Foley
According to the US Census, the Foley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 51,865 Americans with the Foley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.05% |
| Black | 3.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.51% |
Popularity of Foley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Foley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Foley surname increased by 1,013 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Foley
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