Surname Kriley - Meaning and Origin
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Kriley: What does the surname Kriley mean?
The last name Kriley is of English origin and is considered an occupational surname. It is derived from the Old English words “kirle” or “kyrie”, which mean “servant” or “minister”. The original spelling of the name is likely “Kirley”, as seen in historical records.
Kriley is thought to have derived from a job title in medieval times, indicating someone who served as a personal assistant or bodyguard to a noble. It is most likely that these servants were of French origin, and brought the name with them when they served in England.
Though the spelling of the name has changed over time, its meaning has remained largely the same: a “servant” or “minister”.
Today, the Kriley name is found worldwide, though it is particularly common in the United States. It is not known how many individuals with this surname currently exist, though individuals are known to have held positions of high authority in many countries.
In recent years, the Kriley name has become increasingly popular, likely because of the positive connotations that come with being associated with a “servant”. Many people today use the surname to express humility and servitude, leading to a growing number of individuals who proudly identify themselves as Krileys.
Order DNA origin analysisKriley: Where does the name Kriley come from?
The surname Kriley is of German origin and is most commonly found in the north-west region of Germany today. The name Kriley is derived from an old German word meaning either gravelly land or ‘croft’ land.
Krileys have spread across Europe and the world from their hometowns in Germany, establishing families in Poland, Uruguay, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In the United States, the surname Kriley is most common in Kentucky, followed by Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas. Among German immigrants to America, the Krileys migrated to Wisconsin, Illinois, and Tennessee prior to the Civil War.
Kriley is also commonly found in the U.S. states of Iowa, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Washington.
In Canada, the surname Kriley is most common in Ontario, followed by Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec.
Despite its humble Germanic origins, the Kriley surname today is quite widely distributed around the world. It is a testament to a family's commitment to remembering their collective heritage even as they migrate, assimilate, and embrace the global melting pot.
Variations of the surname Kriley
Kriley is an English surname that has evolved from a variety of sources. One suggestion, which ultimately seems to stem from the Old Norse, is that it is a variant of the name Kriel, which was first found in East Anglia during the early medieval period. It is also thought to be a variation of the name Kripper, a form of the pre-Norman Conquest name Crioph or Kriger, also found in East Anglia.
The variant spellings of Kriley include Krile, Krele, Kreil, Kriel, Krielle, Kriel, Krieller, Kryell, and Kryelle.
Kriley is also associated with the surnames Cryle, Kreagle, Krials, Kriall, Krigel, Kril, Krill, Kreill, Kreilley, and Kreiler.
In some places, Kriley is also known as Krileys, Krels, Krull, Krulle, Krul, Kulik, Krullek, Krulek, Krigloss, and Kricksen.
In Scotland, the names Kridley, Kriley, Kリーリー, K、レー、レライ、Kariel、Kuryar, are sometimes found.
Kriley is also associated with the American surnames Kriley, Kreiley, Krely, Krelye, Krily, Krilley, Krelly, Krillley, Krily, and Krealy.
In Germany, Kriley and its variants are most often known as Kriel, Kriier, Krieler, Kreil, Kroyer, Krylier, Krietsch, and Kuchlin, while in France Kriley variants are commonly found in the forms Kroyer, Kroll, Kriol, Kreger and Krems.
In sum, Kriley is an English surname that has many variants, spelling variations, and associated surnames stemming from a variety of sources. These alternate surnames are found in many countries, such as England, Scotland, America, Germany, and France.
Famous people with the name Kriley
- Tyler Kriley is an American knifemaker, educator, and conservationist who received his first knifemaking accolade at the age of 10.
- Kenneth Kriley was an American college basketball coach who coached at the University of West Texas from 1962 to 1972 and the University of Maine from 1972 to 1992.
- Louis Kriley was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played for the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins.
- Carol Kriley is an American former competitive figure skater who competed in both ladies' singles and pair skating.
- Dave Kriley is an American former racing driver who won the 1970 Brickyard 400.
- Philip Kriley is an American professional basketball player who has played in the NBA, CBA, and the IBL.
- Charles Kriley was an American football coach who coached at the University of Southwestern Louisiana from 1965 to 1968.
- Nick Kriley is an American painter and printmaker who is known for his portrayals of rural landscapes and small-town life.
- Stephen Kriley is an American film composer whose most notable work includes the soundtrack to the 2019 film, "The Farewell".
- Thomas Kriley is an American architect who designed the Rice County Courthouse in the city of Faribault, Minnesota.