COLES
Coles
Origin and Etymology The British surname Coles is of patronymic origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Cola", which means "swarthy" or "coal-black". The name was later adapted to Cole and Coles, with the latter becoming a common surname in England.
Historical Significance The surname Coles has a long history in British society, with records dating back to medieval times. The name was widely distributed across various regions in England and gained prominence through notable figures who bore the surname. Coles families were often found in agricultural communities, as well as in urban centers engaged in trade and commerce.
Regional Distribution The Coles surname is particularly prevalent in the southern regions of England, with concentrations in counties such as Sussex, Essex, and Kent. Over the centuries, Coles families have dispersed to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, contributing to the global diaspora of the name.
Notable Individuals Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Coles have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, politics, and the arts. Notable figures include:
- William Coles (1626–1662): An English author and physician known for his work on botanical gardens.
- Yvette Coles (b. 1944): An accomplished British athlete who competed in the Olympics.
- Timothy Coles (b. 1980): A contemporary British artist renowned for his abstract paintings.
Modern-day Impact In contemporary times, the surname Coles continues to be part of the cultural and social fabric of British society. Many individuals with the surname have diversified into different professions and industries, contributing to the rich tapestry of British heritage.
Variant Spellings Variants of the surname Coles include Cole, Coley, and Coales, reflecting the evolution and adaptation of the name over the centuries.
Conclusion The surname Coles holds a distinguished place in British genealogy and history, reflecting the lineage and heritage of numerous families across the country. From its etymological roots to its contemporary manifestations, the name Coles remains a significant aspect of British identity and heritage.
There are approximately 19,334 people named Coles in the UK. That makes it the 447th most common surname in Britain. Around 297 in a million people in Britain are named Coles.
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
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Anne
- Christine
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Cole
- Coules
- Colas
- Cohl
- Coal
- Coales
- Choles
- Coals
- Chole
- Coels
- Cloes
- Colea
- Colee
- Coley
- Colie
- Colies
- Colis
- Coll
- Collas
- Colleis
- Colles
- Colless
- Collies
- Collis
- Colls
- Colmes
- Coloe
- Colus
- Colye
- Cooles
- Cowl
- Cowls
- Kole
- Koles
- Coaley
- Coall
- Cohley
- Colias
- Colios
- Collee
- Colley
- Collie
- Colme
- Colne
- Colsey
- Colts
- Cowlee
- Cowley
- Cowlie
- Khole
- Kohls
- Callus
- Closs
- Colliss
- Coyles
- Gullis
- Kalsi
- Kellas
- Kells
- Kelso
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.