Origin & Meaning of the Pelley Surname
What does the last name Pelley mean?
The surname Pelley 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 1,592 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pelley ranks as the #17,651 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Pelley come from?
The Pelley 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 Pelley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Pelley 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 | Pelley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,651 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,592 |
| Per 100K People | 0.54 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Pelley
According to the US Census, the Pelley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,592 Americans with the Pelley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.21% |
| Black | 2.01% |
| Hispanic | 3.52% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 1.95% |
Popularity of Pelley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pelley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Pelley surname increased by 69 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Pelley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Pelley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Pelley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Pelley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Pelley
- ✓ The Pelley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Pelley families live today
- ✓ Notable Pelley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Pelley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pelley.
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 Pelley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelley
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Pelley surname also look for: