Origin & Meaning of the Hurley Surname
What does the last name Hurley mean?
The surname Hurley 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 39,796 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hurley ranks as the #870 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hurley come from?
The Hurley 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 Hurley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hurley 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 | Hurley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #870 |
| US Count (2010) | 39,796 |
| Per 100K People | 13.49 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hurley
According to the US Census, the Hurley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 39,796 Americans with the Hurley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.71% |
| Black | 4.64% |
| Hispanic | 1.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 1.48% |
Popularity of Hurley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hurley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hurley surname increased by 825 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hurley
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