Origin & Meaning of the Wooley Surname
What does the last name Wooley mean?
The surname Wooley 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 6,109 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wooley ranks as the #5,679 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wooley come from?
The Wooley 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 Wooley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wooley 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 | Wooley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,679 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,109 |
| Per 100K People | 2.07 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wooley
According to the US Census, the Wooley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,109 Americans with the Wooley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.34% |
| Black | 13.26% |
| Hispanic | 2.62% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.83% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Wooley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wooley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wooley surname decreased by 67 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Wooley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Wooley
- ✓ The Wooley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Wooley families live today
- ✓ Notable Wooley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Wooley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wooley.
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 Wooley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wooley
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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