Harles

The surname Harles is believed to have originated in England during the medieval period. It is thought to be a locational name derived from the Old English words "hær," meaning stony, and "læs," meaning a pasture or meadow. This suggests that the name may have referred to someone who lived near a stony meadow or pasture.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a landowner named Herbertus de Herles in Somerset. This entry provides evidence that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

Another early reference to the name comes from the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire in 1191, where a person named William de Herles is listed as owing taxes. The spelling variations "de Herles" and "de Harles" were common in medieval records, reflecting the name's locational origins.

In the 13th century, the surname Harles appeared in various parts of England, including Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire. One notable bearer of the name was John de Harles, a landowner in Cambridgeshire who is mentioned in the Feet of Fines records from 1275.

During the 14th century, the name continued to spread across England, with records showing Harles families in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Oxfordshire. One prominent individual from this period was Sir Thomas Harles, a knight who served under King Edward III and participated in the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

In the 15th century, the surname Harles was further established, with records showing bearers in counties like Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. One notable figure was William Harles, a merchant from Bristol who was granted a coat of arms in 1487.

As the name spread and evolved over the centuries, various place names and spellings emerged. For example, the village of Harles in Herefordshire may have been named after an early Harles family, while the spelling "Harleys" was also used in some regions.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the surname Harles, including:

1. Robert Harles (c. 1525-1592), an English clergyman and scholar who served as the Archbishop of York from 1588 until his death. 2. Elizabeth Harles (1569-1645), an English noblewoman and landowner who inherited large estates in Warwickshire and Oxfordshire. 3. John Harles (1632-1704), an English composer and organist known for his contributions to church music. 4. Thomas Harles (1785-1862), a British politician and Member of Parliament who represented the borough of Southampton for several years. 5. Margaret Harles (1900-1982), a British author and poet who wrote extensively about rural life in the English countryside.

While the surname Harles is not among the most common in modern times, it has a rich history dating back to medieval England and has been borne by individuals from various walks of life over the centuries.