Surname Dilly - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'D'
Dilly: What does the surname Dilly mean?
The surname Dilly is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from an old English personal name, Dylli. This name, in turn, is rooted in the Old English term "dilig", meaning "dearly loved". Although it's not among the most common surnames, Dilly can be found in several English-speaking countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, and Australia. Like many surnames, the original meaning of the word can be lost through centuries of usage, individual and regional variations, and linguistic evolution. Therefore, while it's interesting to know the historic or linguistic origin of a surname, it's also important to remember that people with the surname Dilly today may not have any specific connection to the original meaning of the name.
Order DNA origin analysisDilly: Where does the name Dilly come from?
The surname Dilly is of English and French origin. It emerged from the baptismal name Dionysia, which was eventually transformed into Denys, and then to Dilly. It is an example of a patronymic surname, where the father's given name becomes the last name of the children. The surname was first found in Warwickshire, England.
The name Dilly possibly derived from the Old French word "dille," a pickling herb, indicating that the first people with this surname could have been herb growers or spice traders. In another explanation, Dilly might have been topographical or locative, referring to someone living by a dill (anethum) field.
Currently, the surname Dilly is not very common. However, it is found in various parts of the world due to emigration, including countries like the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. From the available data, it is most prevalent in the United States, with the highest concentration in West Virginia. In England, it is most common in the southeastern region. But as a surname, it remains relatively rare in all these countries.
Variations of the surname Dilly
The surname Dilly mostly originates from Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It's derived from the Old English personal name, Dylli or Dylla. Over the centuries, the name may have been altered due to dialect changes, spelling variations and translation errors.
Therefore, the Dilly surname has several spelling variations which can include Dilly, Dillie, Diley, Deley, Dely, Dilley, and Dillay among others. Wide variations can even lead to completely different names that originate from the same old root - sustainable only by detailed genealogy research. For instance, similar surnames like Dally, Daily, Dailey, Daley and Dalley could potentially share the same origin.
In some cases, surnames changed as families moved across different regions or countries, adapting to the local language or pronunciation. Therefore, it is also possible to find similar surnames in different countries. For example, in French the name could have transformed into Dillier, Dillet, or Diel. In German, it could be Dill or Diller.
Supposed relatives or variants like Dalli, Dillyn or Dillane also exist but these may only be loosely related, having developed under different independent pressures. The surname distribution and genealogy research can offer more clarity in such cases.
Famous people with the name Dilly
Finding renowned individuals with the last name Dilly is quite challenging, as it isn't a common surname. Some significant figures include Charles Dilly and Edward Dilly, brothers who were prominent London booksellers and publishers in the 18th century, known for their support of Samuel Johnson's work. Additionally, Darren Dilly is a notable Australian rules footballer. Lastly, Bud Dilly is a recognized figure in design and advertising world. His real name is Harry William Ditzel, but he used the nickname professionally; he is known for his work in advertising during the 1950s and 1960s, including creation of the iconic Alka-Seltzer mascot Speedy. Please note that most of these figures may not be celebrities in the popular definition of the word.