Hiles

Hiles is a surname of English origin that is believed to have derived from the medieval given name Hille, itself a diminutive of Hilary. The name is chiefly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Somerset, Devon, and Hampshire.

History

The Hiles surname is thought to have originated in the early medieval period, with records dating back to the 13th century. The name has undergone various spellings over the centuries, including Hillis, Hylls, and Hyles. It is likely that different branches of the family adopted slightly different forms of the name as they spread to different regions.

Distribution

The surname Hiles is relatively uncommon, with the majority of individuals bearing the name residing in the United Kingdom. While there can be regional concentrations, the name is not associated with any specific locality in modern times.

Notable Individuals

1. John Hiles (1805-1872)

A prominent Victorian industrialist, John Hiles was known for his innovations in the textile industry. He established several successful mills in the north of England and played a key role in the development of textile manufacturing techniques.

2. Sarah Hiles (b. 1980)

A contemporary artist known for her abstract paintings, Sarah Hiles has gained recognition for her unique style and use of vibrant colours. Her works have been exhibited in galleries across the UK and abroad.

Variants

Variants of the Hiles surname include Hillis, Hylls, and Hyles, among others. These variations may reflect different regional pronunciations or dialectal influences.

The Hiles surname carries with it a sense of English heritage and history, with individuals bearing the name contributing to various fields throughout the centuries.

There are approximately 1,413 people named Hiles in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,640th most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Hiles.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Martin
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Barbara
  • Carol
  • Deborah
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Jennifer
  • Lorraine
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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