Origin & Meaning of the Dilley Surname
What does the last name Dilley mean?
The surname Dilley 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 5,692 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dilley ranks as the #6,036 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dilley come from?
The Dilley 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 Dilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dilley 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 | Dilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,036 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,692 |
| Per 100K People | 1.93 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dilley
According to the US Census, the Dilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,692 Americans with the Dilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.26% |
| Black | 0.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.67% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 0.65% |
| Two or More Races | 1.44% |
Popularity of Dilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dilley surname decreased by 47 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Dilley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dilley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Dilley Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dilley
- ✓ The Dilley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Dilley families live today
- ✓ Notable Dilley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Dilley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dilley.
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 Dilley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dilley
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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