Find out how popular the last name Dulaney is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Dulaney.

Dulaney, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Dulaney surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Dulaney in America

Dulaney is the 6210th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Dulaney surname appeared 5,507 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 2 people would have the surname Dulaney.

We can also compare 2010 data for Dulaney to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Dulaney

The surname Dulaney has its origins in France, dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "dulain," which referred to a type of coarse woolen cloth or blanket. This suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname, referring to someone who produced or worked with this type of fabric.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land and property ownership commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name is recorded as "de Duleneio," indicating a connection to a specific location or region.

During the 12th century, the name appears in various historical records, often associated with nobility and land ownership. For instance, a certain Robert de Dulaney is mentioned in a charter from 1178, granting him rights to lands in Normandy, France.

As the surname spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, such as Dulany, Dulaney, and Doulany. This was common during this period due to the lack of standardized spelling conventions and regional dialects.

One notable figure with the surname Dulaney was Sir Walter Dulaney, who lived in the 15th century and served as a member of the English Parliament. He was born in 1420 and played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the House of Lancaster.

Another prominent individual was Mary Dulaney, a British author and poet who lived from 1678 to 1738. She was known for her collection of poems titled "The Feminine Muse," which explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition.

In the 18th century, the Dulaney name gained prominence in the American colonies. Daniel Dulaney, born in 1685 in England, emigrated to Maryland and became a prominent lawyer and politician. He served as the Attorney General of Maryland and was a vocal opponent of the growing revolutionary sentiment in the colonies.

Benjamin Dulaney, born in 1747 in Maryland, was a notable figure during the American Revolutionary War. He initially supported the British cause but later switched allegiances and fought alongside the Continental Army, serving as a colonel.

Finally, James Dulaney, born in 1795 in Virginia, was a respected educator and author. He founded several schools and published works on grammar, rhetoric, and education. His contributions to the field of education were widely recognized during his lifetime.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the surname Dulaney throughout history, highlighting its rich heritage and diverse backgrounds across various fields and professions.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Dulaney

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Dulaney.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Dulaney was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Dulaney has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Dulaney was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dulaney, please contact us.

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