Origin & Meaning of the Howley Surname
What does the last name Howley mean?
The surname Howley 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 2,688 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Howley ranks as the #11,663 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Howley come from?
The Howley 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 Howley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Howley 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 | Howley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,663 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,688 |
| Per 100K People | 0.91 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Howley
According to the US Census, the Howley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,688 Americans with the Howley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.2% |
| Black | 1.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.74% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Two or More Races | 0.82% |
Popularity of Howley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Howley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Howley surname increased by 87 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Howley Family
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- ✓ The Howley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Howley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Howley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Howley.
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 Howley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howley
Top Surnames Starting with H
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter H, ranked by population.
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