Surname Geiley - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Geiley: What does the surname Geiley mean?
The last name Geiley is Italian and originated from the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. The name likely derives from the Latin name Jasper, which means "keeper of the treasure." Geiley is an occupational surname, given to those persons who were a manager of treasures or a guardian of the stored items.
In ancient times, a person in charge of a treasury, or of finances surrounding a municipality, was likely to have held great power and respect. This position would have likely given the holder the responsibility to manage the goods, supplies, and belongings of the people he or she was overseeing.
The surname Geiley likely first appeared in the late 14th century, and has extended throughout the world since then. It is especially prominent in the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Tuscany, and has spread to the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In recent years, the surname Geiley has been associated with notable figures in politics, business, and the arts. These include businessman and Cuban immigrant Ernesto Geiley, British politician David Geiley, and American painter and sculptor Mark Geiley.
Ultimately, the surname Geiley symbolizes great power, responsibility, and respect. It suggests that those who hold the name have been tasked with high-level monetary and wealth-related tasks in the past, and today is a sign of strength and heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisGeiley: Where does the name Geiley come from?
The last name Geiley is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, where it has been recorded in a few different spellings including Geilley, Gilliy, and Giley. According to the U.S. census, the surname was found most frequently in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. In Canada, the last name has also been found primarily in the same six provinces.
The surname most likely originates from a German name, but its meaning is unknown. It is likely that the last name is a variant of the German name Gülich, which is derived from the German first name Gülick. In English, Gülich translates to “dear one.”
The surname was first found in the United States in the mid-1800s by immigrant settlers from Germany, but its roots can be traced back to the country's earlier colonization of the area. Though it was once relatively common in the U.S., the number of people bearing the name has declined in recent years. Nevertheless, the last name continues to be found in some parts of the midwest and eastern seaboard, with the highest concentration being in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
Variations of the surname Geiley
The surname Geiley has many different forms, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variants of its spelling can include Galey, Gailey, Geilay, Geylay, Gayley, Gealy, Gailer, Gailor, Gayle, Galea, and Geille, to name a few.
Surnames of the same origin sometimes vary due to cultural factors such as migration, occupation, region, or language. Geilay, for example, is an anglicized variation of the Irish surname Mac Giolla Eidigh, meaning "son of the servant of Eidith." Similarly, Geylay is another variant derived from the Irish surname Geoghegan, meaning "noble" or "well-born."
Variations in spelling of the surname over time could also be related to English speakers' difficulties with pronunciation of foreign names, or the adoption of a more Anglicized version. For example, Galey is derived from the French surname Galley.
Moreover, a patronymic or metronymic form of the surname could also be derived from the given name of the family’s original ancestor. Such surname variants come from the prefix ‘Geil’ which mean’s ‘son of’, followed by the father’s name. Thus, Gayle is a short form of the patronymic surname Geil-Frad, and Galea is a Spanish variation of the metronymic surname Geilta, meaning ‘daughter of Geil.'
In conclusion, Geiley is a surname with many variants and spellings, as well as other surnames of the same origin. People with different variants of the Geiley surname can trace their heritage back to different parts of the world and cultures, as these variations are derived from different languages and locations.
Famous people with the name Geiley
- Sal Geiley: American actress best known for her roles in the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally and Bunk'd.
- Mark Geiley: former Australian professional soccer player and current coach.
- Billy Geiley: former Major League Baseball infielder who played around mid-seventies.
- John Geiley: an American actor who starred in shows such as Mad Men and Law & Order: SVU.
- Rita Geiley: an American fashion model and actress.
- Taylor Geiley: an American actor, model, and filmmaker.
- Philip Geiley: former Irish politician and former member of the Irish Parliament.
- Mark Geiley: UK television presenter and radio personality.
- Jim Geiley: Retired British Intelligence Officer and former cabinet Secretary.
- David Geiley: American sculptor and wood carver best known for his works of modernistic and Aboriginal themes.