Origin & Meaning of the Reilley Surname
What does the last name Reilley mean?
The surname Reilley 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 1,493 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reilley ranks as the #18,502 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reilley come from?
The Reilley 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 Reilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reilley 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 | Reilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,502 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,493 |
| Per 100K People | 0.51 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reilley
According to the US Census, the Reilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,493 Americans with the Reilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.57% |
| Black | 0.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.41% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.21% |
Popularity of Reilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reilley surname increased by 127 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reilley
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