Origin & Meaning of the Tooley Surname
What does the last name Tooley mean?
The surname Tooley 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 4,371 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tooley ranks as the #7,605 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tooley come from?
The Tooley 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 Tooley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tooley 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 | Tooley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,605 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,371 |
| Per 100K People | 1.48 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tooley
According to the US Census, the Tooley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,371 Americans with the Tooley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.47% |
| Black | 10.04% |
| Hispanic | 2.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.59% |
| Native American | 0.32% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Tooley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tooley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tooley surname increased by 222 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Tooley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Tooley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Tooley
- ✓ The Tooley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Tooley families live today
- ✓ Notable Tooley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Tooley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tooley.
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 Tooley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooley
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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