Origin & Meaning of the Paley Surname
What does the last name Paley mean?
The surname Paley 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 1,505 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Paley ranks as the #18,401 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Paley come from?
The Paley 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 Paley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Paley 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 | Paley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,401 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,505 |
| Per 100K People | 0.51 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Paley
According to the US Census, the Paley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,505 Americans with the Paley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.5% |
| Black | 6.05% |
| Hispanic | 2.92% |
| Two or More Races | 0.8% |
Popularity of Paley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Paley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Paley surname decreased by 24 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paley
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