Tarpley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #8,896 in the US 3,680 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#8,896
▼ Down 496 since 2000
People in the US
3,680
1.25 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Tarpley Surname

What does the last name Tarpley mean?

The surname Tarpley 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 3,680 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tarpley ranks as the #8,896 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Tarpley come from?

The Tarpley 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 Tarpley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Tarpley 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 Tarpley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #8,896
US Count (2010) 3,680
Per 100K People 1.25
First Letter T

Ethnic Distribution of Tarpley

According to the US Census, the Tarpley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,680 Americans with the Tarpley last name.

White 70.27%
Black 22.83%
Hispanic 3.02%
Asian/PI 0.52%
Native American 0.35%
Two+ Races 3.02%
Ethnic distribution of the Tarpley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White70.27%
Black22.83%
Hispanic3.02%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.52%
Native American0.35%
Two or More Races3.02%

Popularity of Tarpley Over Time

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

Census 2000
#8,400
3,617 people
Down 496
Census 2010
#8,896
3,680 people

The number of Americans with the Tarpley surname increased by 63 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Tarpley Ancestry

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

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Similar Surnames to Tarpley

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

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 Tarpley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tarpley

The surname Tarpley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Tarpley is ranked #8,896 in the United States with approximately 3,680 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 Tarpley surname is distributed as: 70.3% White, 22.8% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Tarpley 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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