Origin & Meaning of the Kiley Surname
What does the last name Kiley mean?
The surname Kiley 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 6,639 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kiley ranks as the #5,255 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kiley come from?
The Kiley 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 Kiley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kiley 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 | Kiley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,255 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,639 |
| Per 100K People | 2.25 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kiley
According to the US Census, the Kiley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,639 Americans with the Kiley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 90.33% |
| Black | 5.38% |
| Hispanic | 1.6% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 1.57% |
Popularity of Kiley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kiley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kiley surname increased by 1,176 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Kiley Family
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- ✓ The Kiley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Kiley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Kiley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kiley.
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 Kiley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiley
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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