Surname Rails - Meaning and Origin

Rails: What does the surname Rails mean?

The surname Rails is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English word "ra" which means "roe deer." It was typically used as a nickname for individuals who were fleet of foot, or as a metonymic occupational name for a hunter or keeper of roe deer. It might have also been used as a topographic name for someone living in a place thick with roe deer. Over time, various spellings have been used such as Raile, Rayl, Rale, and Rail. Like many surnames, the exact meaning can change based on regional usage and family tradition. Today, Rails is quite uncommon as a surname.

Furthermore, it's important to note that surnames have undergone significant changes over centuries, and migration has also played a role in forming their modern forms. Family names could be modified according to the language of the country the individual migrated to or the personal preference of the individual. As such, the origin and meaning provided here is a generalized understanding and the meaning can vary for different families with the same surname.

Rails: Where does the name Rails come from?

The last name Rails is relatively common today, primarily in Europe, North America, and Brazil. It is particularly prevalent in the United States, where more than 10,400 individuals bear the surname according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Rails is most populous in the state of Pennsylvania, where it can be found in more than 550 of the state’s 67 counties. Other states with significant populations of Rails include California, New York, and Texas.

The name itself dates back to the Middle Ages; it was a topographical name taken from the Middle English word “raille,” meaning “gate” and referring to someone who lived near a gate or entrance to a city, farm or estate. The Rails family has a long history in Europe, some records dating back to the late 1100s in parts of Germany.

Today, the Rails name can be found in many records including gravestones, marriages, baptisms, and burial plots across the globe. It has been popular in various parts of the world for centuries, and now, in the early 21st century, it continues to crop up in many countries.

Variations of the surname Rails

The surname ‘Rails’ can have several variants and spellings that originate from the same origin. It is a name that can be traced to the French language and was a nickname for someone who had a strong, durable attitude, like a ‘rail’ of metal. Some of the variants of this surname are:

-Rael

-Ràyol

-Reals

-Rial

-Riyal

-Reels

-Riels

-Reles

-Reul

The surnames that have been passed down for generations have also been changed and adapted in many ways. Some of the surnames, which are derived from the main surname ‘Rails’, are:

-Railse

-Reilly

-Riles

-Railey

-Riler

-Raileigh

In addition to the above variations, people with the surname ‘Rails’ have often been recorded in documents with other names, such as Rial, Riel, Ryal, Reel, Reals and Ryle.

The variations of the surname ‘Rails’ offer evidence of the customs and usage of different cultures throughout history. It’s interesting to consider the different ways the surname has been adapted and changed over time.

Famous people with the name Rails

• Kirill Rails: A University of Waterloo alumnus, Rails is the founder and CEO of a travel Website, FlightNetwork.com.
• David Rails: A former drummer in the funk rock band “Cracker”, Rails has also worked as a solo artist and has been a featured artist and speaker at music events.
• Gregory Rails: Rails is a successful real estate investor who owns and operates 30 commercial properties in the greater Atlanta area.
• Jack Rails: A former member of the Ohio General Assembly, Rails was a leader in the Republican Party and served in the House of Representatives from 1985-1993.
• Steve Rails: A well-known stand-up comedian and radio host, Rails hosts the nationally syndicated The Steve Rails Morning Show and has recorded several comedy albums.
• Barry Rails: Rails has starred in several popular films, including Mystic Pizza, School Ties, and American Splendor.
• Johann Rails: Rails is a German composer and music producer who has composed and produced popular music for films and television series.
• Max Rails: Rails has competed in several shows on the outdoor adventure channel, including “Extreme Fishing with Max Rails”.
• Alexander Rails: Rails is a Nobel Prize–winning physicist best known for his work in quantum electrodynamics.
• Cody Rails: Rails is an independent filmmaker who has made several documentaries and feature films, including Distribution and Where the Wild Things Grow.

Other surnames

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