Origin & Meaning of the Gilley Surname
What does the last name Gilley mean?
The surname Gilley 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 9,906 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gilley ranks as the #3,593 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gilley come from?
The Gilley 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 Gilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gilley 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 | Gilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,593 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,906 |
| Per 100K People | 3.36 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gilley
According to the US Census, the Gilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,906 Americans with the Gilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.09% |
| Black | 4.22% |
| Hispanic | 2.15% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.33% |
| Native American | 0.72% |
| Two or More Races | 1.49% |
Popularity of Gilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gilley surname decreased by 38 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Gilley Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gilley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Gilley Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Gilley Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Gilley
- ✓ The Gilley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Gilley families live today
- ✓ Notable Gilley 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 Gilley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gilley.
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 Gilley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilley
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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