Gallegly
An English locational surname derived from a place in Northumberland, England.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 308 Americans carry the last name Gallegly. That puts it at #71,886 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.09 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,112,839 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Gallegly surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
308
1 in 1,112,839
Census rank
#71,886
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
271
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 271 bearers of the surname Gallegly in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.09 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 71886th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Gallegly, the largest self-reported group is White at 91.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.8%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Gallegly
The surname Gallegly originated in England during the medieval period. It is believed to have derived from an old English locational name, referring to someone who lived near a gallows or a place where executions occurred. The name is thought to have evolved from the Old English word "galga," meaning "gallows."
In its earliest recorded forms, the surname appeared as "de Galgehull" and "Galehou" in the Domesday Book of 1086, a manuscript record of landholders in England commissioned by William the Conqueror. These early spellings suggest the name may have been associated with a specific place, possibly related to a gallows hill or execution site.
One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was William de Galgehull, who held lands in Warwickshire, England, in the 12th century. Another notable individual was John Gallegly, a merchant from Bristol, who was mentioned in records from the 14th century.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, variations of the surname included "Galgely," "Galgeley," and "Galgely." These spellings likely reflected regional dialects and the inconsistent spelling practices of the time.
In the 18th century, a prominent figure with the surname was Sir Robert Gallegly (1712-1789), a British military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He was known for his role in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.
Another notable individual was William Gallegly (1820-1895), an English author and journalist who wrote extensively on social and political issues of his time. He was also a member of the Royal Society of Literature.
In the 19th century, the Gallegly family had established roots in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Lancashire. Several members of the family were involved in various trades and professions, including farming, manufacturing, and education.
Overall, the surname Gallegly has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval England, with its origins likely rooted in a locational name associated with a gallows or execution site. Despite variations in spelling over the centuries, the name has maintained its distinct identity and has been borne by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Gallegly
Among Census respondents with the surname Gallegly, the largest self-reported group is White at 91.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.8%).
The bar chart below shows how Gallegly bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Gallegly surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White91.9%
- Hispanic or Latino4.8%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Gallegly surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #71,886 | #71,886 | 0.0% |
| Count | 271 | 271 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.09 | 0.09 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Gallegly bearers went from 271 to 271 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #71,886 to #71,886.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Gallegly
FAQ
Gallegly surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Gallegly?
The surname Gallegly holds position #71,886 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 308 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.09 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Gallegly surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Gallegly, the largest self-reported group is White at 91.9%. The next largest groups are Hispanic (4.8%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.