Origin & Meaning of the Gales Surname
What does the last name Gales mean?
The surname Gales carries the meaning "Son of Gales." 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 4,169 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Gales ranks as the #7,937 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Gales come from?
The Gales 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 Gales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Gales 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 | Gales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Gales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,937 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,169 |
| Per 100K People | 1.41 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Gales
According to the US Census, the Gales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,169 Americans with the Gales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 39.96% |
| Black | 51.09% |
| Hispanic | 4.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.51% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 2.93% |
Popularity of Gales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Gales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Gales surname increased by 466 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Gales
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