Origin & Meaning of the Gilroy Surname
What does the last name Gilroy mean?
The surname Gilroy carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,910 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gilroy ranks as the #8,449 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gilroy come from?
The Gilroy surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Gilroy name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gilroy trace back to European. 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 | Gilroy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,449 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,910 |
| Per 100K People | 1.33 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gilroy
According to the US Census, the Gilroy surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,910 Americans with the Gilroy last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.35% |
| Black | 2.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.87% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.56% |
Popularity of Gilroy Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gilroy surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gilroy surname increased by 113 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Gilroy Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Gilroy ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Gilroy Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Gilroy Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Gilroy
- ✓ The Gilroy coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Gilroy families live today
- ✓ Notable Gilroy 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 Gilroy
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Gilroy.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Gilroy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gilroy
Top Surnames Starting with G
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter G, ranked by population.
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