Origin & Meaning of the Hales Surname
What does the last name Hales mean?
The surname Hales carries the meaning "Son of Hales." 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 8,363 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Hales ranks as the #4,240 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Hales come from?
The Hales 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 Hales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Hales 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 | Hales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Hales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,240 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,363 |
| Per 100K People | 2.84 |
| First Letter | H |
Ethnic Distribution of Hales
According to the US Census, the Hales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,363 Americans with the Hales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.53% |
| Black | 9.59% |
| Hispanic | 2.2% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.39% |
Popularity of Hales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Hales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Hales surname increased by 620 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Hales Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Hales ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Hales
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Hales.
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 Hales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hales
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Hales surname also look for: