Origin & Meaning of the Miles Surname
What does the last name Miles mean?
The surname Miles carries the meaning "Son of Miles." 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 84,942 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Miles ranks as the #368 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Miles come from?
The Miles 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 Miles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Miles 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 | Miles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Miles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #368 |
| US Count (2010) | 84,942 |
| Per 100K People | 28.8 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Miles
According to the US Census, the Miles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 84,942 Americans with the Miles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.33% |
| Black | 32.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.61% |
Popularity of Miles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Miles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Miles surname increased by 3,009 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Miles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miles
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