Surname Guiley - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'G'
Guiley: What does the surname Guiley mean?
The last name Guiley originated in Ireland, primarily in County Cork. It is thought to have derived from the Gaelic term "gileog," which translates to "heroism." This suggests that the original bearer of the name had an aptitude for courage and bravery, a trait that is still highly valued in the Guiley family today.
The Guiley family was first noted by the Annals of the Four Masters, which documented their involvement in the 17th century Siege of Limerick. Through this close association with Irish history, the Gunley name has remained a prominent part of the fabric of Irish culture.
Today, the surname Guiley is associated with prides in family, integrity and loyalty. These attributes are seen in the numerous meaningful relationships and lifelong friendships the family members possess, enabling them to excel in various industries and professions.
The Guiley's dressed modestly, and later the name was adopted in Scotland, England and eventually America. Now, it has become an international name—fitting for an international family with a proud legacy of success and courage.
Order DNA origin analysisGuiley: Where does the name Guiley come from?
The last name Guiley is most commonly found in the United States today. The surname is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, where it has been recorded in census records since the late 1800s. Guiley is also prevalent in Maryland, Texas, and other parts of the Northeast.
The Guiley surname is likely of Scottish origins, originating around the Inverness area in the 15th and 16th centuries. It spread to other parts of the British Empire, including the United States, during the colonial period. There are also some other English and German versions of the Guiley surname.
There is an interesting connection between the Guiley name and the state of Pennsylvania. Quakers who settled in the area in the late 1700s included some people with the last name Guiley. It is not known how these Quakers were related, if at all, to the Guileys of the British Isles.
Although the surname is most commonly found in America today, it can also be found in other parts of the world. A small number of ancestors of the original Scottish settlers went to Canada and Australia. There are also a handful of people with the Guiley surname living in other parts of Europe, including France, Belgium, and Germany.
Variations of the surname Guiley
The surname Guiley – sometimes spelled Gully, Gyley, Guileigh, Guilley, Guillie, Guelly, Gulley, Guillia, Guellia, and Guillia – is of English origin. It could also be culturally adapted to ways of spelling such as Gwiley, Giiley, Gwilley, Gwylly, Gwyley, or Gwilli. The surname is thought to derive from the Old English personal name ‘Guthlac’ which is of unknown etymology, but is possibly of pre-7th Century Germanic origin. The first recorded spelling of the surname is in 1221 when Peter Guthlac was noted in the "Pipe Rolls of Derbyshire" as being living in that county.
The surname could also be adapted to the countries of Ireland and Scotland. In Ireland, common variants include Guelly, Guellia, Giwa, Guolla, and Guollaigh, while in Scotland Guelly, Gulibank, Guillich, GWiley, Gueillia, and Guellach are all found.
The distribution of the surname throughout Britain shows a great local concentration in the north-west of England, particularly Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cumbria, but it also appears across the midlands, as well as extending eastwards into Norfolk and Suffolk. The earliest recorded arrival in the United States dates from 1643 when Mary Guilei settled in Maryland, and Joseph Gully in Pennsylvania in 1728. Today, the surname is also still found in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Guiley
- Rosemary Ellen Guiley: Rosemary is a prominent American author and paranormal researcher. She wrote more than 50 books on a variety of subjects, including angels, tarot, hauntings, spiritual healing, visions, dreams, and psychic abilities.
- Heidi Guiley: Heidi is an award-winning, nationwide lifestyle makeup artist known for her soft, natural look and signature flawless finish. She has worked on several films, commercials, and more than 200 photoshoots.
- Richard Guiley: Richard was an American author and librarian. He was a professor at Cal State University, Long Beach and a contributing columnist to the Boston Globe. He was also the author of several books on issues in librarianship.
- David Guiley: David is an American entrepreneur and inventor with over 40 years of experience in high-tech industries. He founded several successful companies, including two Fortune 500 companies, as well as a computer-networking company.
- Joe Guiley: Joe is a blues guitarist and singer from Memphis, Tennessee. He has played guitar since he was 7-years-old and has since performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in music.
- Nick Guiley: Nick is a member of the platinum-selling indie-rock band The Shins. He plays guitar, synth and bass for the group and also performs backing vocals.
- Stephen Guiley: Stephen is an American author and screenwriter. He has written two novels, several scripts for television and film, and was a contributing lyricist for David Bowie’s jazz album Black Tie White Noise.