Surname Peles - Meaning and Origin

Peles: What does the surname Peles mean?

The surname Peles is primarily associated with Eastern European and Hebrew origins. In its Eastern European context, particularly in Romania and Slovakia, the word "Peles" is connected to geographical features and translates to "avalanche" in English. For instance, the Peleș Castle in Romania, jokingly referred to as a "small avalanche" due to its size, is a popular historical site.

In a Hebrew context, the name refers to a glorious or miraculous endeavor - derived from the biblical term "Pele," which means miracle or wonder. The football legend Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is one famous person who bears a name similar to Peles.

That said, significance of names can vary based on cultural context and personal interpretation. As such, while these meanings provide some guidance, the exact significance of the name Peles could differ among families and individuals who bear it. Furthermore, the spelling, pronunciation, and meaning of a surname could have evolved or changed over generations and migrations. As a result, genealogical and historical context are significant when interpreting surname meanings.

Peles: Where does the name Peles come from?

The last name Peles is most commonly found in Romania, where it is believed to have originated. The name likely derives from the Latin "pilosus," meaning "hairy," and might have referred to someone with an abundance of facial hair. It was also a common nickname for someone who was tall and strong.

Today, Romania continues to host the largest population of individuals surnamed Peles. It is also found in other parts of Eastern Europe and throughout the world, largely due to the diaspora of Romanian immigrants seeking improved economic and political chances elsewhere. Additionally, Peles is a royal surname in Romania, belonging to the former ruling House of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen.

The name is also scattered throughout the United States. According to available census data, it is most prevalent in California, Texas, Florida, and New York. It is also common in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Peles

The surname Peles has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These can be divided into two main groups.

The first variant group includes the surname Peleș. This spelling of the name is pronounced "pel-esch" and is most commonly found in Romania. It has an etymological origin in the Romanian word "peleg". Another variant, Pelșan, is a less common spelling of the same name.

The second variant group includes the surnames Palais, Palash, Peloss, Pelles, and Pells. These surnames have a French origin and are derived from "palais", the French word for palace or court.

Another spelling, Pâleș, is found in Romania and is related to the first group of variants. It is pronounced "PAH-les" and derives from the word "păles".

Variants of the surname found in England include Pells, Pelles, and Pfaffs. The English variants have a German origin, deriving from "Pfahl" (meaning a staff or fence post).

Lastly, the surname can be found in Switzerland as Pelès, pronounced "pel-les".

In summary, the variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Peles include Peleș, Palais, Palash, Peloss, Pelles, Pells, Pâleș, Pfaffs, and Pelès.

Famous people with the name Peles

• Michel Platini Pelé: French footballer and coach
• Valentín Pélés: Uruguayan footballer
• Diana Péles: Brazilian model and actress
• Nelsinho Pélés: Brazilian footballer
• Filipe Pélés: Brazilian actor
• Ademir Pélés: Brazilian retired footballer
• Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso (known as Elkeson), Brazilian footballer
• Romulo Pelegrinelli: Brazilian singer
• Romulo Kedhi Pélés: Brazilian footballer and coach
• David Pelegrín: Spanish speedskater
• Jorge Péles: Portuguese footballer
• Richard Pélas: Brazilian footballer
• Edgar Péles: Argentine singer, actor, and composer
• Saeed Al Darmaki Péles: UAE footballer
• Marlos Pélas: Brazilian footballer
• Walmir Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Edgar Poul Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Zigomar Péles: Brazilian midfielder
• Marcos Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Zequinha de Araujo Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Rubens Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Emerson Péles: Brazilian footballer
• Emerson Santos Péles: Brazilian striker

Other surnames

Pelefsky