Origin & Meaning of the Bales Surname
What does the last name Bales mean?
The surname Bales carries the meaning "Son of Bales." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 13,326 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Bales ranks as the #2,704 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Bales come from?
The Bales surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Bales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Bales trace back to Spanish. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Bales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Bales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,704 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,326 |
| Per 100K People | 4.52 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Bales
According to the US Census, the Bales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,326 Americans with the Bales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.49% |
| Black | 0.94% |
| Hispanic | 2.78% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.67% |
| Native American | 1.01% |
| Two or More Races | 2.12% |
Popularity of Bales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Bales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Bales surname increased by 298 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Bales Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Bales ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Bales Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Bales
- ✓ The Bales coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Bales families live today
- ✓ Notable Bales bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Bales
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Bales.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Bales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bales
Top Surnames Starting with B
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter B, ranked by population.
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