Origin & Meaning of the Settles Surname
What does the last name Settles mean?
The surname Settles carries the meaning "Son of Settles." 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 6,137 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Settles ranks as the #5,656 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Settles come from?
The Settles 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 Settles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Settles 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 | Settles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Settles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,656 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,137 |
| Per 100K People | 2.08 |
| First Letter | S |
Ethnic Distribution of Settles
According to the US Census, the Settles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,137 Americans with the Settles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 55.48% |
| Black | 37.1% |
| Hispanic | 3.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.34% |
| Native American | 0.54% |
| Two or More Races | 2.59% |
Popularity of Settles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Settles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Settles surname increased by 459 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 Settles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Settles
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