This page needs Javascript enabled in order to work properly. Click here for instructions on how to enable it in your browser.
Surname Header Image
Get access to Wiley family records.Start a 14-Day Free Trial

Wiley Family History

Wiley Surname Meaning

English: from various places called with Old English wīg wēoh ‘idol’ + lēah ‘wood clearing’ such as Whyly in East Hoathly (Sussex), Whiligh in Ticehurst (Sussex), Weeley (Essex), Weoley (Worcestershire), and Willey (Surrey).

Alternatively, it may originate from any of the other places named Willey, such as those in Cheshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Warwickshire, which are named with Old English wilig ‘willow’ + lēah.

Another potential source is Wylye (Wiltshire), which takes its name from the river Wylye, though its etymology remains uncertain.

Source: Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, 2022


Similar surnames: 

Search for a relative to learn more about your family history.

Hint: Try searching for a relative alive in 1940.

Where is the Wiley family from?

You can see how Wiley families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Wiley family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1840 and 1920. The most Wiley families were found in USA in 1880. In 1891 there were 118 Wiley families living in Yorkshire. This was about 15% of all the recorded Wiley's in United Kingdom. Yorkshire had the highest population of Wiley families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Wiley surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
Mapbox
© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

What did your Wiley ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, General Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Wiley. 17% of Wiley men worked as a General Labourer and 73% of Wiley women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Wiley were Spade shovel Maker and Domestic Duties.

View Census Data for Wiley | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • General Labourer
    17%
  • Builders Labourer
    10%
  • Fruit Salesman
    10%
  • Spade shovel Maker
    7%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    73%
  • Housewife
    5%
  • Private Means
    4%
  • Domestic Duties
    2%

What Wiley family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 241,000 census records available for the last name Wiley. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Wiley census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Wiley

Passenger Lists

There are 14,000 immigration records available for the last name Wiley. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Wiley immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 49,000 military records available for the last name Wiley. For the veterans among your Wiley ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Wiley military records

You've only scratched the surface of Wiley family history

Discover More

What is the average Wiley lifespan?

Between 1940 and 2004, in the United States, Wiley life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1940, and highest in 2002. The average life expectancy for Wiley in 1940 was 36, and 73 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Wiley

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Wiley ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

Discover the unique achievements of ancestors in the Wiley family tree

Explore Your Tree
Search for another surname
Enter last name/surname
Start a 14-Day Free Trial