Surname Hayles - Meaning and Origin
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Hayles: What does the surname Hayles mean?
The last name Hayles is of English origin, and is believed to have first emerged in the west of England. In terms of its meaning, the name could be derived from either the Norman French word "hayle" meaning an enclosure or wall, or from the Olde English pre 7th Century "Heahleah" (also spelled "hæhla"), which means a meadow.
The Hayles name may also have originated with the French "de la Hèle", which is found in Normandy. This name was used to indicate one from the town of Hèle, located in the Northern part of France. In this case, the name would mean someone who originally came from this area.
The Hayles surname has spread across England, Scotland, and Ireland, and has been used to refer to families living in a variety of locations. Historically, it is believed that most of the bearers of the name settled in Devon, Worcestershire, and Shropshire in the west of England, Yorkshire in the north, Sussex and Hampshire in the south, and London and Essex in the east.
The Hayles last name is usually associated with the family crest of a black lion rampant, with a crown on its head, and a red rose in its paws. This crest is used to represent a strong sense of courage and loyalty, as well as a signification of safety and protection.
Order DNA origin analysisHayles: Where does the name Hayles come from?
The last name Hayles is most likely to be found today in the countries of England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Australia. The origin of the Hayles surname is Anglo-Saxon, and it is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Healle, derived from the Old English word meaning "hero".
In England, the surname Hayles can be found in the south-eastern and western counties, particularly Somerset and Devon. Hayles is particularly common in the Midlands, with the most concentrations occurring in Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire. The surname is also found in urban areas, and the majority of the Hayles population can be found in the Greater London area.
In Ireland, the surname Hayles is most common in County Clare, with a concentration of Hayles people in Galway, Mayo, and Waterford. In Scotland, the surname Hayles is found mainly in the central area, including Glasgow, Perth, and Kinross. In Wales, the surname is most commonly found in areas around Cardiff and Swansea.
In Australia, Hayles is a fairly common surname, with the most concentrations occurring in the states of Victoria and New South Wales. The Hayles surname is generally found mainly in rural areas, especially in Victoria’s Gippsland region.
Variations of the surname Hayles
The surname Hayles is a variation of the English surname Hails. The origins of the Hayles surname can be traced to the Old English name of Haele, meaning ‘at the haele-tree’ or ‘at the hall’. It is thought to have been derived from an area of land near a haele-tree or a place name, possibly from places in Gloucestershire or Derbyshire.
The name has many spellings and variations both ancient and modern, including Haele, Hales, Heales, Hails, Hayles and Heales. One of the earliest records of the name dates to 1174 when William ad Haele is listed in the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire. Other forms of the name, such as Hails, Heales and Hayles, are found in the records of Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire.
The variations of Hayles give some clue as to how different branches of the family may have evolved. For example, people named Hails may have taken on the Hayles surname when they moved to Gloucestershire, or Heales may have been a local alternative that has since become synonomous with the Hayles surname.
The name has survived in the British Isles, and is now found all over the globe. From the 19th century onwards, many Hayles families have been known to have emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, making it a truly global name.
The Hayles surname is still common today, and its many spelling variations attest to how the name has evolved over time. From Haele to Hayles, it is a great example of the way surnames have adapted in a changing world.
Famous people with the name Hayles
- William Hayles: retired American football player
- Jodie Hayles: Australian television actor
- Peggy Hayles: American National Historic Landmark designer
- Doug Hayles: British stuntman, actor and martial artist
- Jérémy Hayles: French professional footballer
- Jonathan Hayles: English actor and director
- Moira Hayles: American actress
- David Hayles: British actor and playwright
- Heather Hayles: Canadian former wheelchair basketball player
- Sammi Haynes: Canadian singer and producer