Origin & Meaning of the Niles Surname
What does the last name Niles mean?
The surname Niles carries the meaning "Son of Niles." 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 10,173 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Niles ranks as the #3,511 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Niles come from?
The Niles 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 Niles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Niles 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 | Niles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Niles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,511 |
| US Count (2010) | 10,173 |
| Per 100K People | 3.45 |
| First Letter | N |
Ethnic Distribution of Niles
According to the US Census, the Niles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 10,173 Americans with the Niles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 77.4% |
| Black | 16.01% |
| Hispanic | 3.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.88% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Niles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Niles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Niles surname increased by 2,180 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Niles Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Niles ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Niles
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Niles.
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 Niles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Niles
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Niles surname also look for: