Origin & Meaning of the Gailey Surname
What does the last name Gailey mean?
The surname Gailey 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 3,690 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gailey ranks as the #8,873 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gailey come from?
The Gailey 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 Gailey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gailey 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 | Gailey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,873 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,690 |
| Per 100K People | 1.25 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gailey
According to the US Census, the Gailey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,690 Americans with the Gailey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.35% |
| Black | 5.09% |
| Hispanic | 1.98% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Gailey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gailey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gailey surname decreased by 235 between 2000 and 2010.
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Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gailey ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Gailey Family
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- ✓ The Gailey coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Gailey families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Gailey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gailey.
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 Gailey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gailey
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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