Origin & Meaning of the Welles Surname
What does the last name Welles mean?
The surname Welles carries the meaning "Son of Welles." 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 1,404 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Welles ranks as the #19,291 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Welles come from?
The Welles 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 Welles name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Welles 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 | Welles |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Welles |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #19,291 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,404 |
| Per 100K People | 0.48 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Welles
According to the US Census, the Welles surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,404 Americans with the Welles last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.03% |
| Black | 6.98% |
| Hispanic | 2.07% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.5% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.07% |
Popularity of Welles Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Welles surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Welles surname decreased by 129 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Welles
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