Origin & Meaning of the Coles Surname
What does the last name Coles mean?
The surname Coles carries the meaning "Son of Coles." 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 14,449 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Coles ranks as the #2,505 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Coles come from?
The Coles 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 Coles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Coles 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 | Coles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Coles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,505 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,449 |
| Per 100K People | 4.9 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Coles
According to the US Census, the Coles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,449 Americans with the Coles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 43.62% |
| Black | 48.71% |
| Hispanic | 3.11% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.6% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 3.62% |
Popularity of Coles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Coles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Coles surname increased by 808 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Coles Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Coles ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Coles Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Coles
- ✓ The Coles coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Coles families live today
- ✓ Notable Coles bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Coles
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Coles.
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 Coles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coles
Top Surnames Starting with C
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter C, ranked by population.
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