Dailey

Dailey is a surname of both English and Irish origin.

Origin and Meaning:

• English: As an English surname, Dailey is a variant of Daley, which itself has multiple possible origins. It could be a locational surname, derived from a place name such as Dale or similar topographical feature implying someone lived "in the dale" (valley). Alternatively, it could be derived from the Old English personal name "Dael," a short form of various compound names with the element "dael" meaning "division" or "share."

• Irish: As an Irish surname, Dailey is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó Dálaigh. Ó Dálaigh signifies "descendant of Dálach." Dálach itself is a personal name meaning "assembly" or "frequenting assemblies." The Ó Dálaigh were a prominent Irish clan known as hereditary poets and historians to many Irish chieftains.

Distribution:

The surname Dailey (and its variations like Daley and Daily) is found primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The spelling "Dailey" is more prevalent in some regions than others.

Notable People:

The surname Dailey has been borne by a number of notable individuals in various fields. A brief list is sufficient as this is about the origin and meaning of the name itself. Examples include individuals in politics, sports, and the arts.

Variants:

Common variants of the surname include Daley, Daily, DaLea, and O'Dailey (Irish).