First found in Yorkshire where the name is associated with the village of Scholes in the parish of Barwick which is about nine miles from Leeds, in the West Riding of that county. In 1086 this parish was held by Ilbert de Lacy, and was the site of 3 Churches and 3 mills, today there are still the remains of a bailey, a moat, and a Saxon cross.

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Scholess to arrive in North America: George Scholes, who arrived in Lynn, MA sometime between 1620 and 1650; James Scholes, a bonded passenger who arrived in America in 1696; John Scholes, who came to Virginia in 1747.

For more information on the last name Scholes, the PDF Surname History is available for purchase as well as other products.