Surname Giles - Meaning and Origin

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E. Giles

Giles: What does the surname Giles mean?

The surname Giles derives from the medieval personal name Giles, which is from the Greek name Aigidios, meaning 'young goat' or 'shield-bearer'. This name was popularized due to a 7th-century Provencal hermit, Saint Giles, who was one of the most venerated saints in the Middle Ages. He was noted for his piety and miracles and was declared the patron saint of beggars, blacksmiths and cripples. The name was brought to England by the Normans and grew popular in the Middle Ages, hence becoming a common surname. It is widely dispersed across the English-speaking world, frequently found in England and America.

Giles: Where does the name Giles come from?

The last name Giles originates from Medieval England. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Gilo," or the Old French name "Gilles," both of which are probably short forms of the Greek name "Aegidius." The last name Giles was often given to someone who played the part of St. Giles in a medieval pageant or miracle play, since St. Giles was a popular saint during the Middle Ages. Alternatively, it is possible the name was given to someone who lived near a sign such a figure or shrine to St. Giles.

Today, Giles as a last name is fairly common in English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. As with many surnames, the distribution of people with the name Giles follows historical patterns of migration, colonization, and settlement. Therefore, the exact regions where the last name Giles is most common can vary. However, research shows it is particularly common in South West England. It is also prevalent in Wales, likely due to the close geographical and cultural ties between Wales and South West England.

Variations of the surname Giles

The surname Giles has quite a few variations, alternative spellings and associated surnames of the same origin. It is of Norman and Old French origin, derived from the Saint's name Giles, which in turn was derived from the Greek word "aigidion" meaning young goat.

Some traditional variants of the surname include Gyles, Gilies, Gillies, Jiles, and Jyles. Additionally, it can sometimes be found spelled as Gills, which may be influenced by regional dialects or recording errors. Other associated surnames due to common origin include Eggleston, Aegidius, Aegidios, Egidius, and Gilson.

The surname, through historical propagation and emigration, is found in several countries. In Spanish-speaking regions, the surname translates to Gil; in Catalan, it is Gili; in Italian, it becomes Egidio; and in Portuguese, it is often Egídio.

It is also vital to note the Gaelic surname Mac Gille Iosa (which translates to the "son of the servant of Jesus") which was anglicized to MacGilles, later being shortened to Giles.

However, variations in the surname can also be due to transcription errors and Anglicization over time, making it challenging to trace a definitive lineage or family tree.

Famous people with the name Giles

• Peter Giles: English singer-songwriter, member of the rock band King Crimson
• Marion Giles: American beauty pageant titleholder
• Brenton Giles: Australian professional football (soccer) player
• Kris Giles: British rower
• Emma Giles: British tennis player
• Paul Giles: Australian author, professor and literary critic
• Jeremy Giles: English musician, author and lecturer
• Josh Giles: Canadian actor
• Andrew Giles: Australian politician
• Jacob Giles: Canadian professional ice hockey player
• James Giles: American professional basketball player
• Austen Giles: Scottish actor
• George Giles: American racing driver
• Bruce Giles: British sculptor
• Harold Giles: British professional rugby player
• Ian Giles: British photographer
• Roger Giles: American racing driver
• Matthew Giles: Australian economist
• Dave Giles: British musician
• Chris Giles: English author and journalist

Other surnames

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