Origin & Meaning of the Reilly Surname
What does the last name Reilly mean?
The surname Reilly 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 40,884 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Reilly ranks as the #845 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Reilly come from?
The Reilly 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 Reilly name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Reilly 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 | Reilly |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #845 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,884 |
| Per 100K People | 13.86 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Reilly
According to the US Census, the Reilly surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,884 Americans with the Reilly last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.27% |
| Black | 0.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.13% |
| Two or More Races | 1.16% |
Popularity of Reilly Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Reilly surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Reilly surname increased by 574 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Reilly Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Reilly ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Reilly Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Reilly Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Reilly
- ✓ The Reilly coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Reilly families live today
- ✓ Notable Reilly 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 Reilly
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Reilly.
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 Reilly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reilly
Top Surnames Starting with R
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter R, ranked by population.
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