Origin & Meaning of the Raley Surname
What does the last name Raley mean?
The surname Raley 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 6,593 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Raley ranks as the #5,281 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Raley come from?
The Raley 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 Raley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Raley 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 | Raley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,281 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,593 |
| Per 100K People | 2.24 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Raley
According to the US Census, the Raley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,593 Americans with the Raley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.2% |
| Black | 3.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.59% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.73% |
| Native American | 0.58% |
| Two or More Races | 1.56% |
Popularity of Raley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Raley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Raley surname increased by 169 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Raley Family
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- ✓ The Raley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Raley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Raley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Raley.
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 Raley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Raley
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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