Bales

Bales is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "bald," meaning "bold" or "brave." The name is classified as a topographic surname, denoting someone who lived near a prominent feature like a hill, river, or tree.

Origin

The origin of the Bales surname can be traced back to the early medieval period in England. The first recorded instance of the name dates back to the 13th century in the county of Norfolk. Over the centuries, the Bales family spread to various regions across the United Kingdom.

Notable Bearers

  • Francis Bales (1540–1610), an English clergyman and controversial pamphleteer.
  • Gareth Bales (b.1989), a Welsh professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

Distribution

Today, individuals with the surname Bales can be found not only in the United Kingdom but also in other parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies and territories.

Crest and Coat of Arms

The Bales family may have had a specific coat of arms or crest associated with their surname, which would have been used to identify and distinguish members of the family.

In conclusion, the surname Bales has a long history in the United Kingdom, with bearers of the name contributing to various fields of endeavour over the centuries.

There are approximately 1,021 people named Bales in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,255th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Bales.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Lee
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Dena
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Laura
  • Linda
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Sarah

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