UK surname
From a reed-covered meadow or field.
In the 1881 census there were 53 people recorded with the Reeley surname, ranking it #26,134 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 48, ranked #35,004, down from #26,134 in 1881.
The strongest historical links point to Abingdon St Helen, Abingdon St Nicholas, London parishes and St Giles-in-the-Fields. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include No data.
Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Reeley is 136 in 1861. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 9.4%.
1881 census count
53
Ranked #26,134
Modern count
48
2016, ranked #35,004
Peak year
1861
136 bearers
Map years
2
1861 to 1891
Key insights
Map
Back to topThe map shows where the Reeley surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.
Distribution map
Reeley surname density by area, 1891 census.
Timeline
Back to topThe table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.
| Year | Period | Count | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | historical | 49 | #24,448 |
| 1861 | historical | 136 | #16,556 |
| 1881 | historical | 53 | #26,134 |
| 1891 | historical | 132 | #19,976 |
| 1901 | historical | 64 | #27,010 |
| 1911 | historical | 92 | #23,580 |
| 1997 | modern | 49 | #32,776 |
| 1998 | modern | 51 | #32,816 |
| 1999 | modern | 51 | #32,940 |
| 2000 | modern | 55 | #32,609 |
| 2001 | modern | 53 | #32,674 |
| 2002 | modern | 57 | #32,661 |
| 2003 | modern | 55 | #32,895 |
| 2004 | modern | 59 | #32,787 |
| 2005 | modern | 58 | #33,094 |
| 2006 | modern | 52 | #33,923 |
| 2007 | modern | 51 | #34,272 |
| 2008 | modern | 49 | #34,580 |
| 2009 | modern | 49 | #34,728 |
| 2010 | modern | 52 | #34,726 |
| 2011 | modern | 50 | #34,816 |
| 2012 | modern | 44 | #35,164 |
| 2013 | modern | 44 | #35,222 |
| 2014 | modern | 47 | #35,097 |
| 2015 | modern | 49 | #34,946 |
| 2016 | modern | 48 | #35,004 |
Geography
Back to topHistorical parish links are strongest around Abingdon St Helen, Abingdon St Nicholas, London parishes, St Giles-in-the-Fields and Stranton. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.
The modern local-area list points to No data. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.
| Rank | Parish | Area |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abingdon St Helen, Abingdon St Nicholas | Berkshire |
| 2 | London parishes | London 1 |
| 3 | London parishes | London 3 |
| 4 | St Giles-in-the-Fields | London (Central Districts) |
| 5 | Stranton | Durham |
| Rank | Area | District |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No data | No data |
Forenames
Back to topThese lists show first names that appear often with the Reeley surname in historical and recent records.
Recent female names
Recent male names
Modern profile
Back to topModern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Reeley, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.
These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.
The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.
UK neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Nationally, the Reeley surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as No data, within No data. This does not mean every Reeley household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.
London neighbourhood type
Supergroup
No data
Group
No data
Within London, Reeley is most associated with areas classed as No data, part of No data. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.
Broadband speed
The modern neighbourhood pattern for Reeley is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of No data.
Area snapshot
This describes the area pattern most associated with Reeley, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.
Origin
Back to topThe surname Reeley is believed to have originated in England, specifically in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is thought to have derived from the Old English words "rig" or "ridge," referring to a ridge of land, and "ley," meaning a meadow or field. This suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived near or on a ridge or hill in a meadow or field.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Reeley can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in the form of "Rigeleie," which is believed to be a variation of the modern spelling.
In the 13th century, records show a Robert de Riggeley who held lands in Lancashire. This is one of the earliest documented examples of the name being used as a surname. Other early spellings include Rigeley, Rigley, and Riggeley, reflecting the variations in pronunciation and spelling common during that time.
One notable individual with the surname Reeley was Sir John Reeley, a prominent English landowner and politician who lived in the 16th century (c. 1520 - 1588). He served as a Member of Parliament for Lancashire and was known for his involvement in local affairs and governance.
Another historical figure with the surname was William Reeley (c. 1650 - 1712), an English clergyman and author who wrote several theological works. His most notable work was "A Treatise on the Doctrine of the Trinity," published in 1695.
In the 18th century, Richard Reeley (1732 - 1804) was a successful merchant and industrialist in Yorkshire. He was instrumental in the development of the textile industry in the region and was known for his innovative business practices.
During the 19th century, James Reeley (1818 - 1892) was a renowned English architect who designed several notable buildings, including churches and public buildings, in the Gothic Revival style. His work can still be seen in various parts of England.
Another prominent individual with the surname was Elizabeth Reeley (1871 - 1944), a British suffragette and activist who fought for women's rights and the right to vote. She was actively involved in the women's suffrage movement and participated in protests and demonstrations.
While the surname Reeley is not as common as some other English surnames, it has a rich history and has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields throughout the centuries.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
1881 census detail
Back to topThese tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Reeley surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.
Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Berkshire leads with 17 Reeleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 46.45x.
| County | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Berkshire | 17 | 46.45x |
| Middlesex | 14 | 2.87x |
| Cheshire | 7 | 6.50x |
| Warwickshire | 6 | 4.88x |
| Lancashire | 4 | 0.69x |
| Nottinghamshire | 1 | 1.52x |
| Oxfordshire | 1 | 3.32x |
Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Hammersmith London in Middlesex leads with 8 Reeleys recorded in 1881 and an index of 66.61x.
| Place | Total | Index |
|---|---|---|
| Hammersmith London | 8 | 66.61x |
| West Hendred | 8 | 13333.33x |
| Poulton Cum Seacombe | 7 | 564.52x |
| Aston | 5 | 14.77x |
| Milton | 5 | 7142.86x |
| Chelsea London | 3 | 20.42x |
| Great Bolton | 3 | 39.16x |
| Pinner | 3 | 697.67x |
| Hampstead Norris | 2 | 869.57x |
| Speen | 2 | 333.33x |
| Ashton Under Lyne | 1 | 7.91x |
| Cowley | 1 | 106.38x |
| Long Compton | 1 | 833.33x |
| Newark Upon Trent | 1 | 42.37x |
These are the female first names most often recorded with the Reeley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
These are the male first names most often recorded with the Reeley surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.
Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Reeley households.
| Occupation | Count |
|---|---|
| Scholar | 11 |
| Ag Lab | 4 |
| Corn Porter | 3 |
| Axle Pulley | 1 |
| Bricklayers Lab | 1 |
| Builder | 1 |
| Coachman | 1 |
| Coachman Domestic Serv | 1 |
| Cotton Piecer | 1 |
| Excavator | 1 |
| Farming 40 Acres 1 Laborer | 1 |
| Field Lab | 1 |
| Gardener (Domestic) Ser | 1 |
| General Laborer | 1 |
| General Labourer | 1 |
| Grocers Porter | 1 |
| Nurse | 1 |
| Safe Maker (Iron) | 1 |
| Self Actor Minder (C) | 1 |
| Teacher Of Music | 1 |
FAQ
In 1881, 53 people were recorded with the Reeley surname. That placed it at #26,134 in the surname rankings for that year.
The latest modern count shown here is 48 in 2016. That gives Reeley a modern rank of #35,004.
From a reed-covered meadow or field.
The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Reeley bearers relative to the surrounding population.
The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.