Surname Wiles - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Wiles Lineage: A Insightful Journey through Ancestry DNA Testing
Excavating the historical roots of my surname 'Wiles' through the iGENEA DNA test, I discovered an intriguing blend of Germanic origin, Celtic lineage, and traces of Europe’s earliest settlers encoded in my genes. These findings not only offered a deeper understanding of my lineage's geographical spread but also provided a glimpse into the cultural journey of my ancestors.
Q. Wiles
read moreWiles: What does the surname Wiles mean?
The last name Wiles is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was first found in the county of Somerset, England, where they held a family seat from ancient times. The name is derived from the Old English word wielle, meaning 'made of willow', and was typically used to describe a person who lived near the willow or who worked with willow materials in their everyday life.
In some instances, the name Wiles is derived from the Old English word wile, meaning captivate, deceive, or beguile. In this case, it may have been used to describe a person gifted in the arts of persuasion.
The family name Wiles generally had positive connotations historically. It has been linked to a person of good breeding, and also to a person of good manners and graciousness. It is believed to have had Norman connections, with a branch of the family settling in Ireland in the 17th century and another branch migrating from Britain to America in the 19th century.
The Wiles family name has had an interesting history. Although the origins of the name are uncertain, the family has produced many historic figures, including two United States Navy Vice Admirals and a National Football League player. The surname continues to carry a positive symbolism to this day, representing a noble history of strength, intelligence, and good character.
Order DNA origin analysisWiles: Where does the name Wiles come from?
The last name Wiles is one of the most common surnames in the United States today, with an estimated 15,813 people having that surname. Wiles is frequently found in the Midwestern United States, particularly in the Central states.
In the 2000 U.S. Census, the state with the most Wiles households was Illinois, with a total of 2,265 households, followed closely by Indiana with 1,911 households. Illinois and Indiana are followed by Texas and Ohio, with 1,607 and 1,566 households respectively. Missouri also appears on the list of the top Wiles states, with 1,256 households.
Outside of the United States, there are a number of households with the Wiles surname, particularly in the United Kingdom. The most common areas where Wiles is found include London, South East England, and the West Midlands. According to the 2011 UK Census, there were 931 households with the Wiles surname located in the United Kingdom.
In other parts of the world, Wiles can be found in places such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. According to Ancestry.com, Wiles is a fairly uncommon last name in these regions.
In conclusion, the last name Wiles is common in many parts of the United States, particularly in the Central states. Wiles is also quite commonly found in the United Kingdom and a few other countries around the world.
Variations of the surname Wiles
The surname Wiles has multiple variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variants are Wyls, Wyles, Whyles, Wiles, Wylys, Wyles, and Wyall.
The surname Wiles originates from both English and Irish beginnings. In England, it was known to be an occupational name derived from the Old English word "Wilde," meaning "hunter" or "woodsman." The surname was likely adopted by those who worked as hunters, and the term eventually became "Wiles" or "Whyles."
The Irish variant of the surname Wiles was derived precisely from the Old Irish name O'Faolain, meaning "hospitable," and eventually changed to the more recognizable Wiles.
In Scotland, there is a variant of the surname known as Wyall. This version was originally a nickname meaning "brave" or "noble-minded" and was derived from the Old Gaelic word "Gal," which turned into Wyall.
In the United States, the surname Wiles is most popular in states such as Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Indiana.
Overall, there are a wide variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Wiles, each of which has its own unique meaning and history.
Famous people with the name Wiles
- Mark Wiles- Academy Award winner who has worked as a cinematographer on dozens of feature films.
- Laura Wiles- Award-winning singer/songwriter and guitarist.
- John Wiles- British broadcaster and producer best known for his iconic BBC Radio programs.
- Robert Wiles- Award-winning actor and playwright who is also known for his television appearances.
- Martha Wiles- Actress and model who appeared in numerous television commercials, film, and on stage.
- Franklin Wiles- Emmy nominated screenwriter best known for his work on the television series Party of Five.
- Bill Wiles- Award-winning documentary filmmaker, author, and professor.
- Jack Wiles- Award-winning country music producer and songwriter.
- Darnell Wiles- Professional dancer and choreographer who has worked on music videos for some of the most popular artists in the world.
- Fred Wiles- Award-winning American music artist and songwriter known for blending funk, blues, and soul.