Origin & Meaning of the Tilley Surname
What does the last name Tilley mean?
The surname Tilley 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 15,758 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Tilley ranks as the #2,318 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Tilley come from?
The Tilley 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 Tilley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Tilley 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 | Tilley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,318 |
| US Count (2010) | 15,758 |
| Per 100K People | 5.34 |
| First Letter | T |
Ethnic Distribution of Tilley
According to the US Census, the Tilley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 15,758 Americans with the Tilley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.59% |
| Black | 6.75% |
| Hispanic | 2.12% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 1.19% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Tilley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Tilley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Tilley surname increased by 198 between 2000 and 2010.
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- ✓ The Tilley coat of arms & heraldry
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Similar Surnames to Tilley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Tilley.
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 Tilley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilley
Top Surnames Starting with T
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter T, ranked by population.
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