Origin & Meaning of the Railey Surname
What does the last name Railey mean?
The surname Railey 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 3,246 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Railey ranks as the #9,940 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Railey come from?
The Railey 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 Railey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Railey 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 | Railey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,940 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,246 |
| Per 100K People | 1.1 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Railey
According to the US Census, the Railey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,246 Americans with the Railey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.6% |
| Black | 23.14% |
| Hispanic | 2.19% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.18% |
| Two or More Races | 2.13% |
Popularity of Railey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Railey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Railey surname increased by 765 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Railey
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