Origin & Meaning of the Tapley Surname
What does the last name Tapley mean?
The surname Tapley 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 3,264 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tapley ranks as the #9,902 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tapley come from?
The Tapley 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 Tapley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tapley 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 | Tapley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,902 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,264 |
| Per 100K People | 1.11 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tapley
According to the US Census, the Tapley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,264 Americans with the Tapley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.5% |
| Black | 7.75% |
| Hispanic | 2.02% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.37% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Tapley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tapley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tapley surname increased by 52 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Tapley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tapley 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 Tapley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Tapley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Tapley
- ✓ The Tapley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Tapley families live today
- ✓ Notable Tapley 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 Tapley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tapley.
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 Tapley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tapley
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Tapley surname also look for: