Lilley — Last Name Origin & Meaning

English origin Rank #4,557 in the US 7,780 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#4,557
▼ Down 225 since 2000
People in the US
7,780
2.64 per 100K people
Origin
English
Old English

Origin & Meaning of the Lilley Surname

What does the last name Lilley mean?

The surname Lilley 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 7,780 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Lilley ranks as the #4,557 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Lilley come from?

The Lilley 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 Lilley name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Lilley 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.

English Old English

Quick Facts

Surname Lilley
Meaning From a meadow or clearing
Origin English
Language Old English
US Rank (2010) #4,557
US Count (2010) 7,780
Per 100K People 2.64
First Letter L

Ethnic Distribution of Lilley

According to the US Census, the Lilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,780 Americans with the Lilley last name.

White 87.93%
Black 5.46%
Hispanic 2.92%
Asian/PI 0.51%
Native American 1.49%
Two+ Races 1.68%
Ethnic distribution of the Lilley surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White87.93%
Black5.46%
Hispanic2.92%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.51%
Native American1.49%
Two or More Races1.68%

Popularity of Lilley Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Lilley surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#4,332
7,589 people
Down 225
Census 2010
#4,557
7,780 people

The number of Americans with the Lilley surname increased by 191 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Lilley Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Lilley ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Lilley

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Lilley.

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 Lilley.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lilley

The surname Lilley is of English origin. From a meadow or clearing
The surname Lilley is ranked #4,557 in the United States with approximately 7,780 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
From a meadow or clearing. The name has English roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Lilley surname is distributed as: 87.9% White, 5.5% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Lilley ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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