Origin & Meaning of the Kilroy Surname
What does the last name Kilroy mean?
The surname Kilroy 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 2,371 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kilroy ranks as the #12,953 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kilroy come from?
The Kilroy 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 Kilroy name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kilroy 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 | Kilroy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,953 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,371 |
| Per 100K People | 0.8 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kilroy
According to the US Census, the Kilroy surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,371 Americans with the Kilroy last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.36% |
| Hispanic | 2.19% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.76% |
| Two or More Races | 1.39% |
Popularity of Kilroy Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kilroy surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kilroy surname increased by 82 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kilroy Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kilroy ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kilroy Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kilroy Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kilroy
- ✓ The Kilroy coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kilroy families live today
- ✓ Notable Kilroy 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 Kilroy
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kilroy.
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 Kilroy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilroy
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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