Origin & Meaning of the Pauley Surname
What does the last name Pauley mean?
The surname Pauley 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 10,809 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pauley ranks as the #3,317 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pauley come from?
The Pauley 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 Pauley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pauley 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 | Pauley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,317 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,809 |
| Per 100K People | 3.66 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pauley
According to the US Census, the Pauley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,809 Americans with the Pauley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.45% |
| Black | 3.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.33% |
Popularity of Pauley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pauley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pauley surname increased by 199 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pauley
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