Origin & Meaning of the Dailey Surname
What does the last name Dailey mean?
The surname Dailey 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 32,719 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dailey ranks as the #1,072 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dailey come from?
The Dailey 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 Dailey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dailey 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 | Dailey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,072 |
| US Count (2010) | 32,719 |
| Per 100K People | 11.09 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dailey
According to the US Census, the Dailey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 32,719 Americans with the Dailey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.28% |
| Black | 17.24% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.74% |
| Two or More Races | 1.97% |
Popularity of Dailey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dailey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dailey surname increased by 1,825 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dailey
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