Origin & Meaning of the Hilley Surname
What does the last name Hilley mean?
The surname Hilley 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 1,787 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hilley ranks as the #16,171 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hilley come from?
The Hilley 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 Hilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hilley 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 | Hilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,171 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,787 |
| Per 100K People | 0.61 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hilley
According to the US Census, the Hilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,787 Americans with the Hilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.99% |
| Black | 4.14% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 1.34% |
Popularity of Hilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hilley surname decreased by 115 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hilley
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