Origin & Meaning of the Woolsey Surname
What does the last name Woolsey mean?
The surname Woolsey carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 6,949 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Woolsey ranks as the #5,049 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Woolsey come from?
The Woolsey surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Woolsey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Woolsey trace back to European. 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 | Woolsey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,049 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,949 |
| Per 100K People | 2.36 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Woolsey
According to the US Census, the Woolsey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,949 Americans with the Woolsey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.19% |
| Black | 0.69% |
| Hispanic | 2.6% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.5% |
| Native American | 0.71% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Woolsey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Woolsey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Woolsey surname increased by 144 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Woolsey Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Woolsey ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Woolsey Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Woolsey Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Woolsey
- ✓ The Woolsey coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Woolsey families live today
- ✓ Notable Woolsey bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Woolsey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Woolsey.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Woolsey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Woolsey
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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