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Zerley Family History

Zerley 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: Berley, Verley, Kerley, Perley, Herley, Zebley, Werley, Henley

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

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Zerley family from?

You can see how Zerley families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Zerley family name was found in the USA, and Canada between 1840 and 1920. The most Zerley families were found in USA in 1880. In 1840 there were 2 Zerley families living in Illinois. This was about 50% of all the recorded Zerley's in USA. Illinois had the highest population of Zerley families in 1840.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Zerley surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
  • 1840
  • 1880
  • 1920
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What Zerley family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 239 census records available for the last name Zerley. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Zerley census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Zerley

Passenger Lists

There are 6 immigration records available for the last name Zerley. 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 Zerley immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 30 military records available for the last name Zerley. For the veterans among your Zerley ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Zerley military records

You've only scratched the surface of Zerley family history

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What is the average Zerley lifespan?

Between 1985 and 1992, in the United States, Zerley life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1985, and highest in 1986. The average life expectancy for Zerley in 1985 was 33, and 76 in 1992.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Zerley

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Zerley 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.

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