Surname Reighley - Meaning and Origin
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Reighley: What does the surname Reighley mean?
The surname Reighley does not have a specific or universally agreed-upon meaning as it is not a common last name and has variations in spellings such as Raleigh, Rawley, or Reiley. Most likely, it’s a variant of the surname Raleigh, which has its roots in Old English. The name Raleigh is geographical and is derived from a place in Devonshire, England, meaning "roe deer meadow" in Old English. It has been speculated that "Reigh" could be derived from rye, a type of grain, and "ley" from the Old English "leah" meaning meadow or forest clearing. However, without further historical or familial information, it is difficult to ascertain an accurate meaning of 'Reighley'. As with many surnames, meanings can also change and evolve over time and with geographical movement. It's always best to trace one's genealogy for a more accurate individual understanding.
Order DNA origin analysisReighley: Where does the name Reighley come from?
The last name Reighley is most commonly seen today in the United Kingdom and certain areas of the United States with British ancestry. The name appears to be English in origin, although it could have crossed borders with the numerous migrations of peoples throughout its history.
The earliest official record of the Reighley family name appears in the Hundred Rolls of 1273 in Cambridgeshire, England. In 1881, the census records showed it to be most prevalent in Worcestershire, located in central England, where it ranked 22nd out of the 88 counties listed.
Today, the name is widely spread over the United Kingdom, with the most concentration being located in the counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, East and West Sussex, Surrey, Wiltshire, and Lancashire. In the United States, the Reighleys are most heavily concentrated in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The presence of the name in those locations today is likely due to immigrants from the UK, primarily England, during the 19th century. With the growth and population migration in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the family name spread across the Atlantic in search of a better life for their families.
Today, the family name may have given rise to the popular terminology of “re-gally”, meaning “stylishly done”. It has become part of the English language, and though the connection to the family is uncertain, the influence of Reighley can still be seen in the United Kingdom and America.
Variations of the surname Reighley
The surname Reighley has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. These include Reighly, Reighlye, Reighlie, Reighlee, Reighly, Reghley, Reighlay, Reighlea, Reigley and Reighloe.
Reighly, Reighlye and Reighlie are common spellings. These variations are sometimes found with a hyphen or an added letter ‘e’. Reighly has a french origin, derived from the French surname Reilley.
Reighlee or Reighly are anglicised forms of the surname. These originate from the Gaelic name Mac Raghaille, meaning son of Raghaille. Reighley is a location-based surname derived from various places in England called Reighley. It is also found spelled as Reighlay, Reighlea, Reigley or Reighloe.
Reighley has been found in records dating back to the 12th century. The first recorded spelling of the surname was in 1175. Thomas de Reilleg’ was recorded in the 'Fine Court Rolls of Essex'.
The Reighley surname can also be found as Reely, Reelye, Reelya, Raily, Ralley, Reily, Reilly, Riley, Rhiley, Rieley, Riely, Rileigh, Riley and Riliegh. It is likely that these variations are anglicised versions of the original Gaelic name.
Famous people with the name Reighley
- Gaby Reighley: British comedian and podcast host
- Tommy Reighley: American football player
- Tom Reighley: British actor
- Dan Reighley: American actor
- Shaun Reighley: American hip hop artist
- Pat Reighley: American actress and comedian
- Dave Reighley: American singer and songwriter
- Neil Reighley: British Olympic sailing competitor
- Stephen Reighley: British author
- Cooper Reighley: American musician