Origin & Meaning of the Giles Surname
What does the last name Giles mean?
The surname Giles carries the meaning "Son of Giles." 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 40,598 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Giles ranks as the #849 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Giles come from?
The Giles 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 Giles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Giles 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 | Giles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Giles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #849 |
| US Count (2010) | 40,598 |
| Per 100K People | 13.76 |
| First Letter | G |
Ethnic Distribution of Giles
According to the US Census, the Giles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 40,598 Americans with the Giles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 64.94% |
| Black | 26.15% |
| Hispanic | 5.66% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.44% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 2.32% |
Popularity of Giles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Giles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Giles surname increased by 1,596 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Giles
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