Origin & Meaning of the Priestley Surname
What does the last name Priestley mean?
The surname Priestley 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 1,914 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Priestley ranks as the #15,325 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Priestley come from?
The Priestley 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 Priestley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Priestley 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 | Priestley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #15,325 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,914 |
| Per 100K People | 0.65 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Priestley
According to the US Census, the Priestley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,914 Americans with the Priestley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.17% |
| Black | 17.4% |
| Hispanic | 1.88% |
| Two or More Races | 2.25% |
Popularity of Priestley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Priestley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Priestley surname decreased by 23 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Priestley
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