Origin & Meaning of the Rowley Surname
What does the last name Rowley mean?
The surname Rowley 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 15,588 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rowley ranks as the #2,338 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rowley come from?
The Rowley 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 Rowley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rowley 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 | Rowley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,338 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,588 |
| Per 100K People | 5.28 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rowley
According to the US Census, the Rowley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,588 Americans with the Rowley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.59% |
| Black | 4.48% |
| Hispanic | 2.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.67% |
| Native American | 0.55% |
| Two or More Races | 1.81% |
Popularity of Rowley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rowley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rowley surname increased by 828 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Rowley Family
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- ✓ The Rowley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Rowley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Rowley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rowley.
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 Rowley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rowley
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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