Origin & Meaning of the Owsley Surname
What does the last name Owsley mean?
The surname Owsley 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 2,932 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Owsley ranks as the #10,866 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Owsley come from?
The Owsley 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 Owsley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Owsley 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 | Owsley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,866 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,932 |
| Per 100K People | 0.99 |
| First Letter | O |
Ethnic Distribution of Owsley
According to the US Census, the Owsley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,932 Americans with the Owsley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.36% |
| Black | 10.91% |
| Hispanic | 2.69% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 2.22% |
Popularity of Owsley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Owsley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Owsley surname increased by 15 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Owsley
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