Cawley Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Cawley come from? What does the surname Cawley mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Cawley and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Cawley Origin: What does the last name Cawley mean?
Cawley is a surname with English and Gaelic origins. In England, it is often a variant of the surname Cowley, derived from various place names like Buckinghamshire, Devon, and Oxfordshire. These place names have different etymologies, such as "cow" and "woodland clearing" or references to charcoal. In Gaelic, the surname could come from MacAmhalghaidh or Mac Amhlaidh, meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" or "son of Amhladh," originating as patronyms. The surname Cawley has been present in England since the early 16th century and has spread globally, with significant occurrences in the United States and Ireland.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Cawley surname in England, the United States, and Ireland, indicating a widespread distribution over the centuries. By the 20th century, the number of individuals with the Cawley surname grew significantly in the United States, showing its prominence in various countries. The surname's English and Gaelic roots highlight a diverse heritage that has transcended borders and continues to be prevalent in different regions worldwide.
Cawley Last Name History: Where did the last name Cawley come from?
Origin of Cawley Surname: Where does the last name Cawley originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Cawley first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Cawley spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Cawley: What does the Cawley surname history look like in the early days?
The Cawley surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Cawley family records in countries like United States and Ireland, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Cawley surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Cawley surname grew significantly in the United States. The Cawley surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Ireland, and other regions.
Explore Cawley last name heritage and Cawley surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Cawley Surame?
Evonne Goolagong Cawley
Evonne Fay Goolagong Cawley (born Jul 31, 1951) is an Australian former professional tennis player. She was ranked world No. 1 in women's singles and won 86 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including seven majors. Goolagong won Wimbledon twice, once as a mother, and represented Australia in the Fed Cup. She was named Australian of the Year and inducted into multiple sports halls of fame. Goolagong is also known for her work with Indigenous youth through the Goolagong National Development Camp.
Shirley Cawley
Shirley Cawley (April 26, 1932) is a British former athlete known for winning the bronze medal in the long jump at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland. She represented Great Britain at the games and was a national long jump champion. Cawley's athletic prowess and achievements have solidified her place in Olympic history, inspiring future generations of athletes.
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