Surname Maples - Meaning and Origin

Unveiling Maternal Roots and Surname History with iGENEA: A Riveting Tale of the Maples Legacy

Embarking on a genetic genealogy journey with iGENEA, I unveiled the hidden layers of my ancestry and the history of my surname, Maples. The DNA test connected me to my roots in Western Europe, elucidated my Celtic lineage, and redefined my understanding of my past and identity.

C. Maples

Maples: What does the surname Maples mean?

The last name Maples is of English origin and is often associated with a topographic surname, given to someone who resided near a prominent Maple tree or a grove of Maple trees. The word derives from the Middle English "mapel", which is from the Old English "mapul" or "mapultrēow", which means "maple tree". In the ancient and medieval periods, people were often named after natural elements from the surroundings or their place of dwelling, thus 'Maples' could have originally denoted someone living near such trees. This surname could also be derived from 'Maple', a hamlet in the county of Essex in England. Like many surnames, Maples can have different origins and interpretations depending upon geographical and historical contexts. It is also found as an anglicized spelling of similar sounding German or Dutch surnames. Today, people with the Maples surname can be found in many English-speaking countries around the world, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Maples: Where does the name Maples come from?

The surname Maples is of English origin and dates back to medieval times. It is derived from a medieval English personal name "Maple" or is possibly topographic for someone who lived by a maple tree. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname appeared in the late 12th century, written as "Mapeles."

Despite its English origin, there is also speculation that some branches of the Maples family may have originally been Huguenots, the French Protestants who fled to the United Kingdom due to religious persecution.

Today, the surname Maples is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the southern regions. However, it can also be found in various other countries worldwide, including Canada, England, and Australia. The surname enjoys widespread distribution due to the mobility of descendants who may have migrated from their initial location of origin. Still, it is not as common as other surnames, ranking as the 5,176th most common surname in the world.

Variations of the surname Maples

The surname Maples is of Anglo-Saxon origin and comes from the old English words 'mapul' and 'tres', meaning maple tree. It was initially given to those who lived near a maple tree or a grove of such trees.

Alternate spelling variations for Maples can include Mapels, Maplesse, Mapples, Mappleson and Maplas.

In some cases, the 's' at the end of 'Maples' might be removed or replaced with a 'z', resulting in 'Maple' or 'Maplez'.

Variations could also be in the form of a locational suffix, such as 'Maplestone' or 'Maplewood'.

There is also a possibility of Maples being anglicized from names of similar meaning in other languages. For instance, the German 'Ahorn' also means maple, hence it might be anglicized to Maples.

The surname Mappleson encapsulates a patronymic form of the name, suggesting a 'son of Maples'.

Also, due to phonetic similarities, 'Maypole' might be considered a variation even though its semantic origin differs, if it has been mistaken for 'Maples' historically, leading to a shared genealogical lineage.

Given the fluidity of surnames and their evolution over centuries and across cultures, there may be other variants less directly connected to the original 'Maples'.

Famous people with the name Maples

• Marla Maples: She is an American television personality, actress, and socialite, perhaps best known as Donald Trump’s second wife from 1993 to 1999.
• Kathryn Maples: She is a two-time Paralympic swimmer from the United States.
• Spencer Maples: He is an American actor known for appearing in plays, films, and television shows.
• Mary Maples: She is an American stage and screen actress, most notably known for her roles in films such as The Shining and The Parent Trap.
• James Maples: He was an American football player who played from 1953 to 1957 for the College Football Hall of Fame.
• Jacob Maples: He is an American artist, sculptor, and muralist who works in bronze, stone, and clay.
• Marshall Maples: He is an American chef, restaurant proprietor, and television personality.
• Jody Maples: She is an American vocalist and recording artist known for her gospel music.
• Blaine Maples: He is an American comedian and YouTube personality.
• Austin Maples: He is an American professional wrestler currently signed to All Elite Wrestling.

Other surnames

Maple