Origin & Meaning of the Paisley Surname
What does the last name Paisley mean?
The surname Paisley 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 2,980 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paisley ranks as the #10,721 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paisley come from?
The Paisley 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 Paisley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paisley 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 | Paisley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,721 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,980 |
| Per 100K People | 1.01 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paisley
According to the US Census, the Paisley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,980 Americans with the Paisley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.39% |
| Black | 11.71% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 1.48% |
Popularity of Paisley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paisley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paisley surname increased by 142 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Paisley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Paisley.
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 Paisley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paisley
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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