Origin & Meaning of the Bailey Surname
What does the last name Bailey mean?
The surname Bailey carries the meaning "Occupational name for a bailiff or steward of a manor." It is derived from the Old French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 277,845 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bailey ranks as the #72 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bailey come from?
The Bailey surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Bailey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bailey trace back to Old French. 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 | Bailey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Occupational name for a bailiff or steward of a manor |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old French |
| US Rank (2010) | #72 |
| US Count (2010) | 277,845 |
| Per 100K People | 94.19 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bailey
According to the US Census, the Bailey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 277,845 Americans with the Bailey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.45% |
| Black | 22.0% |
| Hispanic | 2.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.5% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Bailey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bailey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bailey surname increased by 11,929 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Bailey Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bailey
- ✓ The Bailey coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Bailey families live today
- ✓ Notable Bailey bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Bailey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bailey.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Bailey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bailey
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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