Origin & Meaning of the Vales Surname
What does the last name Vales mean?
The surname Vales carries the meaning "Son of Vales." 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 1,802 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Vales ranks as the #16,071 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Vales come from?
The Vales 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 Vales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Vales 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 | Vales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Vales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,071 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,802 |
| Per 100K People | 0.61 |
| First Letter | V |
Ethnic Distribution of Vales
According to the US Census, the Vales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,802 Americans with the Vales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 38.68% |
| Black | 22.03% |
| Hispanic | 27.97% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 8.6% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Vales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Vales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Vales surname increased by 276 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 Vales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vales
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