Origin & Meaning of the Briley Surname
What does the last name Briley mean?
The surname Briley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,629 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Briley ranks as the #6,094 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Briley come from?
The Briley 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 Briley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Briley trace back to Old English. 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 | Briley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,094 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,629 |
| Per 100K People | 1.91 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Briley
According to the US Census, the Briley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,629 Americans with the Briley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.58% |
| Black | 14.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.25% |
| Native American | 0.41% |
| Two or More Races | 2.06% |
Popularity of Briley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Briley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Briley surname decreased by 1,526 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Briley
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