COLLES
Colles
Background
Colles is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Middle English word "col" meaning 'charcoal'. Surnames often developed from occupations, places, nicknames, or personal characteristics, and Colles likely referred to someone involved in the production or selling of charcoal.
Distribution
The surname Colles is geographically linked to the British Isles, particularly England. Variants of the surname can also be found in Ireland, where it may have originated separately.
Notable Individuals
Notable bearers of the surname Colles include:
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Abraham Colles (1773–1843) - An Irish surgeon and anatomist known for describing Colles' fracture, a break of the distal radius at the wrist.
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Michael Colles (1819–1885) - A British musician and composer, recognised for his contributions to classical music.
Legacy
The surname Colles carries a history of individuals from diverse fields, exemplifying the varied contributions that bearers of this surname have made to British society.
References:
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Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
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Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 41 people named Colles in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named Colles.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Denis
- John
- Tim
Female