Origin & Meaning of the Wales Surname
What does the last name Wales mean?
The surname Wales carries the meaning "Son of Wales." 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 5,133 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wales ranks as the #6,602 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wales come from?
The Wales 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 Wales name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wales 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 | Wales |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Wales |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,602 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,133 |
| Per 100K People | 1.74 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wales
According to the US Census, the Wales surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,133 Americans with the Wales last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.04% |
| Black | 6.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.3% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.27% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.85% |
Popularity of Wales Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wales surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wales surname increased by 150 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Wales
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Wales.
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 Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wales
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