Surname Viles - Meaning and Origin

Viles: What does the surname Viles mean?

The surname Viles is believed to be of French origin, derived from the Old French term "veel" or “vile,” which means a "calf." Hence, it is an occupational name for a calf-herder. It could also be of Norman origin from the name “Viel,” referring to a Norman nickname for a shy or retiring person. It's been found in various historical documents and registers, with different spellings including Vile, Viles, Viel, and Veel, among others. Despite the negative connotation that “vile” holds in English language today, it is important to recognize that the surname doesn’t carry the same meaning, and it reflects more on the occupation or characteristic of the initial bearers. Determining the origin of a surname is generally based on the etymology and culture associated with it. Therefore, the geographical region and historical context where a last name has been first used predominantly could play a major role in its interpretation.

Viles: Where does the name Viles come from?

The last name Viles is primarily found in the United States today. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 estimate records 459 Viles families living in the United States. Viles is a surname of English origin, although its spelling varies slightly depending on the location. Its earliest known recorded spelling can be found in England, as early as the 12th century. The Viles surname is known to be a spelling variation of Vailes, Voyles, and Veals.

The last name is most commonly found in the southeast region of the United States. In the states of Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia alone, there are over 200 occurrences of the Viles surname. Additionally, the states of Texas, North Carolina, and Tennessee combined report 253 occurrences in 2020. While the states listed are the most common sites of the Viles surname, it is found scattered across the United States.

Outside of the U.S., Viles is known to be a surname found in South Africa, England, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and Jamaica. These countries consist of a significantly smaller population than in the United States, however, with some falling in the double digits. This last name is beginning to fade away with the generations, with many people choosing to prostatize their last name into Vails, Vaughnes, or Walls.

There is no one specific origin story for the Viles surname, as the spelling variations render it difficult to track. However, with the amount of record keeping via the United States census, it is evident that the Viles surname is alive and well, with 459 occurrences in the United States alone.

Variations of the surname Viles

The surname Viles is an ancient English name, derived from the Anglo-Saxon word “vile” which means “wicked” or “evil”. It was likely adopted as a nickname for a person thought to resemble this characteristic. Variants of the surname Viles include Vyall, Vyels, Vyalles, Veiles, Viles, and Vial.

It is most commonly found in areas of England with an established Anglo-Saxon presence, including Lancashire, Cheshire, and the East Midlands. It can also be found in south-western counties such as Devon and Cornwall. In other parts of Britain and across the pond in America, the original spelling has become more commonly known as Vial.

The earliest recorded use of the surname Vial can be dated as far back as the 12th century when a man named Robert Viel was noted as living in Kent, England in the year 1166, as recorded in the Curia Regis Rolls. Other spellings first appeared in the late 13th century when Walter de Vuyl was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex in 1296, and in 1327 when William atte Vyle was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Surrey.

Along with the original surname, other derivatives have become popular over time. Depending on the region, the following spellings and surnames are also associated with the origins of Viles: Vyoll, Veigel, Vyelle, Veyle, Vye, de Vyle and the shortened form Vile. The surname is also sometimes recorded as Veale and Viell.

Variants of the name Viles are still found among population within the British Isles to this day. Likewise, the name has been carried overseas to the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world.

Famous people with the name Viles

• Stephen Viles: American author, known for writing such books as Kismet, A Sea of Sorrow, and Funny Girl.
• Whitney Viles: New York-based fashion consultant who has been featured in publications such as Vogue and The New York Times.
• Sheri Viles: Australian actress known for her roles on soap operas such as Neighbours and Home and Away.
• Lacy Viles: Canadian folk singer and songwriter who has released two albums and has toured internationally.
• Beck Viles: American professional wrestler and Martial Arts competitor in World Wrestling Entertainment.
• Ben Viles: British actor, known for his roles in films such as Guy Ritchie's crime thriller Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and in the television series Teacher's Pet.
• Chris Viles: American film producer who has worked on such films as Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol and The Last Samurai.
• Ezra Viles: American stand-up comedian and TV host, known for his shows Last Comic Standing and Evening at the Improv.
• Pete Viles: British musician and songwriter, most known for his work with the indie rock band the Stereophonics.
• Ruby Viles: American athlete and Olympic gold medalist in synchronized swimming.

Other surnames

VilenskijVilensky