Origin & Meaning of the Presley Surname
What does the last name Presley mean?
The surname Presley 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 18,384 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Presley ranks as the #1,968 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Presley come from?
The Presley 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 Presley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Presley 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 | Presley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,968 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,384 |
| Per 100K People | 6.23 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Presley
According to the US Census, the Presley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,384 Americans with the Presley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.28% |
| Black | 19.26% |
| Hispanic | 1.84% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.95% |
| Two or More Races | 2.18% |
Popularity of Presley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Presley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Presley surname increased by 697 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Presley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Presley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Presley.
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 Presley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Presley
Top Surnames Starting with P
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter P, ranked by population.
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