First found in Lincolnshire where they had been granted lands by King William after the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Giles or a variant listed above: Edward Giles who settled in Salem, Massachusetts in 1634; George Giles who purchased land in Virginia in 1652; Susan Giles, who settled in Barbados in 1660.

Motto Translated: Think of me.

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