Pulley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #4,435 in the US 8,007 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,435
▼ Down 301 since 2000
People in the US
8,007
2.71 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Pulley Surname

What does the last name Pulley mean?

The surname Pulley 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 8,007 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Pulley ranks as the #4,435 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Pulley come from?

The Pulley 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 Pulley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Pulley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Pulley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #4,435
US Count (2010) 8,007
Per 100K People 2.71
First Letter P

Ethnic Distribution of Pulley

According to the US Census, the Pulley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,007 Americans with the Pulley last name.

White 68.79%
Black 25.79%
Hispanic 1.95%
Asian/PI 0.62%
Native American 0.5%
Two+ Races 2.35%
Ethnic distribution of the Pulley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White68.79%
Black25.79%
Hispanic1.95%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.62%
Native American0.5%
Two or More Races2.35%

Popularity of Pulley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Pulley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#4,134
7,928 people
Down 301
Census 2010
#4,435
8,007 people

The number of Americans with the Pulley surname increased by 79 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Pulley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Pulley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Pulley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Pulley.

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 Pulley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pulley

The surname Pulley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Pulley is ranked #4,435 in the United States with approximately 8,007 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Pulley surname is distributed as: 68.8% White, 25.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Pulley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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