This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Paisly family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Paisly Family History

Paisly Surname Meaning

Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland.


Similar surnames: Paisley, Parsley, Pasley, Daisy, Daisley, Paille, Pais, Bailly, Daily

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Paisly family from?

You can see how Paisly families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Paisly family name was found in the USA, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Paisly families were found in USA in 1880. In 1841 there were 5 Paisly families living in Dumfries-shire. This was about 83% of all the recorded Paisly's in Scotland. Dumfries-shire had the highest population of Paisly families in 1841.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Paisly surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1841
  • 1851
  • 1881
  • 1901
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What Paisly family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 407 census records available for the last name Paisly. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Paisly census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Paisly

Passenger Lists

There are 42 immigration records available for the last name Paisly. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Paisly immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 33 military records available for the last name Paisly. For the veterans among your Paisly ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Paisly military records

You've only scratched the surface of Paisly family history

Discover More

What is the average Paisly lifespan?

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Paisly ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Paisly

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Paisly family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial