Surname Coles - Meaning and Origin
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As a descendant of the Coles lineage, I embarked on a journey of genealogical self-discovery through an iGENEA DNA test. The enlightening results significantly reshaped my understanding of the Coles family identity, unearthing our deep roots in ancient Britain along with remarkable tales of survival and inspiring diversity.
E. Coles
read moreColes: What does the surname Coles mean?
The last name Coles is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name Cole. This name was popular during the Middle Ages and meant "swarthy" or "coal-black." Therefore, the surname could have been a nickname for a person with a dark complexion. Also, it might have developed from the occupation of a "collier" or "charcoal burner." Another interpretation suggests that the name could have come from a place, as several towns and villages in England bear the name "Cole" or "Coles." As with many surnames, over time and with migration, the spelling of the name evolved, resulting in variants such as Coals, Coal, and Coles. Like many surnames of the time, the meanings are not precise, but the origins are typically based on physical attributes, occupations, or locations. It is also worth noting that names could be highly localized, so different families with the same surname might not be related.
Order DNA origin analysisColes: Where does the name Coles come from?
The surname Coles is of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Cola", meaning "coal black". It may have originally been used as a nickname for someone with dark hair or complexion. Another possible origin comes from the name of several places in England named Coles, particularly in Buckinghamshire and Shropshire.
The name was carried to the new world by English immigrants in the 17th century. The earliest recorded instance in America is that of Matthew Coles, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1630.
Today, the surname Coles is quite common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in England, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It is the 943rd most common surname in the United States, according to the 2000 census. It has also spread to other parts of the world due to emigration and colonial influence. However, England is still considered the homeland of the Coles surname.
Variations of the surname Coles
The surname Coles can be found in a variety of spelling forms which may include Coles, Cole, Coale, Coal, Coleson, Colson, Colesson, and Coulson. The name could have been derived from the Old English personal name Colas, a variant of Nicholas, or from the name Cole which means 'coal' or 'dark, black'. In some cases, the name may also have originated from the location 'Coleshill' in Warwickshire, England.
Other variations might also include Coel, Coleman or Coile.
There are certain surnames that are of a similar origin. They are derivatives of the name Nicholas or the Latin word 'Cola' meaning 'victory of the people'. These include Nicholson, Nicholas, Nicholls, and Nichols.
Viking-Scandinavian variations might also contribute to the name Cole. It might represent someone with a cool or calm disposition, with corresponding surnames like Kuhl or Kjell.
In the Scottish context, the surname may be linked to Colin or Coll, with derivations including Colinson or Collins.
Finally, in other cultures or countries, this name could be adapted or translated differently, for example, in French as Charbonneau (meaning charcoal), in German as Schwarzkopf (black head), or in Italian as Negri or Morosini.
Famous people with the name Coles
- Gary Coles: An Australian rules footballer
- Steven Coles: A radio personality in Canada
- Alfred Coles: Famous Australian cricketer
- B. J. Coles: American politician from Virginia
- Cyrus Coles: American naval officer and recipient of the Medal of Honor
- George Coles: The architect known for designing many of London's theatres
- Mandy Coles: British health professional specialized in adolescents
- Natalie Coles: American singer, part of the famous "The Pointer Sisters" group
- Stormi Maya: An American actress whose real name is Stormi Maya Alvarado Coles
- Teju Cole: An American writer, known for his novel "Open City", uses Coles as his surname.
- Gary Trent Jr.: An American professional basketball player whose real name is Gary Dajaun Trent Coles.
- Kenneth Coles: An American designer and founder of Kenneth Cole Productions, Inc.
- Robert Coles: A renowned psychiatrist, professor at Harvard University, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
- Cozy Cole: Renowned American jazz drummer whose real name was William Randolph Cole.
- Cheryl 'Salt' James: Member of the rap group Salt-N-Pepa, whose original surname is Coles.
- Nadia Coles: Professional name of Nadia Chambers, an American actress known for her roles in TV series like "Her Story".