Origin & Meaning of the Riley Surname
What does the last name Riley mean?
The surname Riley 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 133,872 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Riley ranks as the #217 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Riley come from?
The Riley 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 Riley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Riley 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 | Riley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #217 |
| US Count (2010) | 133,872 |
| Per 100K People | 45.38 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Riley
According to the US Census, the Riley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 133,872 Americans with the Riley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 72.79% |
| Black | 21.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.08% |
Popularity of Riley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Riley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Riley surname increased by 5,912 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Riley
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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 Riley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Riley
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