Origin & Meaning of the Swilley Surname
What does the last name Swilley mean?
The surname Swilley 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 1,987 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Swilley ranks as the #14,893 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Swilley come from?
The Swilley 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 Swilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Swilley 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 | Swilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,893 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,987 |
| Per 100K People | 0.67 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Swilley
According to the US Census, the Swilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,987 Americans with the Swilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 71.26% |
| Black | 22.65% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 2.52% |
Popularity of Swilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Swilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Swilley surname increased by 13 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Swilley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Swilley
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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 Swilley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swilley
Top Surnames Starting with S
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