Origin & Meaning of the Gourley Surname
What does the last name Gourley mean?
The surname Gourley 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 5,934 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gourley ranks as the #5,826 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gourley come from?
The Gourley 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 Gourley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gourley 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 | Gourley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,826 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,934 |
| Per 100K People | 2.01 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gourley
According to the US Census, the Gourley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,934 Americans with the Gourley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.94% |
| Black | 0.72% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.48% |
Popularity of Gourley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gourley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gourley surname increased by 67 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Gourley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gourley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Gourley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gourley.
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 Gourley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gourley
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Gourley surname also look for: