Viles

Viles is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name Viel, which itself comes from the Old French name Viel, meaning "old". The name Viles is classified as a patronymic surname, indicating a lineage or descent from an ancestor named Viel.

Origins and Distribution

The surname Viles has ancient roots in the British Isles, particularly in England. It is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, with notable concentrations in areas such as Devon, Somerset, and Hampshire. The name has spread beyond the UK, with Viles families also found in former British colonies, including Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Notable Individuals

Over the centuries, various individuals bearing the surname Viles have made contributions to different fields. While not a highly prominent surname, notable Viles individuals include academics, professionals, and public figures who have left their mark in their respective areas of expertise.

Variants

Variants of the surname Viles can be found due to the Anglicisation or regional accents and dialects. Common variants may include Veal, Viels, and Vyalls.

Heraldic Arms

The Viles family may have its own coat of arms, granted or inherited through generations, that typically symbolises the family's history, values, and achievements. These heraldic arms would have been passed down in the family lineage and may vary depending on the specific branch or individual.

References

Scholarly research into genealogy and surname origins, as well as historical records and family archives, can provide further insights into the history and evolution of the surname Viles. Family trees, parish records, and census data can help individuals trace their Viles ancestry and understand the familial connections associated with the name.

There are approximately 495 people named Viles in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Viles.

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

  • Adrian
  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Nigel
  • Peter
  • Philip

Female

  • Christine
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Gemma
  • Glenda
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Paula
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Vanessa
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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