Origin & Meaning of the Scales Surname
What does the last name Scales mean?
The surname Scales carries the meaning "Son of Scales." 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 13,190 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Scales ranks as the #2,732 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Scales come from?
The Scales 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 Scales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Scales 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 | Scales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Scales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,732 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,190 |
| Per 100K People | 4.47 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Scales
According to the US Census, the Scales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,190 Americans with the Scales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 38.09% |
| Black | 55.45% |
| Hispanic | 2.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.41% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 3.58% |
Popularity of Scales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Scales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Scales surname increased by 648 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Scales Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Scales ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Scales Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Scales Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Scales
- ✓ The Scales coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Scales families live today
- ✓ Notable Scales bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Scales
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Scales.
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 Scales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scales
Top Surnames Starting with S
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter S, ranked by population.
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