Surname Ailes - Meaning and Origin

Ailes: What does the surname Ailes mean?

Ailes is a French surname that translates to "wings" in English. This surname might have originated as a nickname for someone who was swift or light-footed, symbolizing the speed and agility of a bird in flight. The French word "Ailes" might also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is ambitious or aspiring, just like how wings allow a bird to soar high. Surnames were often used to depict a person's attributes, occupation, or location during ancient times. Therefore, without historical documentation, it's only speculative to define the precise inception of the last name Ailes. It is also noteworthy to mention that it's well-known in contemporary American society due to Roger Ailes, the late Chairman, and CEO of Fox News.

Ailes: Where does the name Ailes come from?

The surname Ailes has English and French origins. In old French, the term 'Ailles' or 'Ailes' was used to refer to someone who lived or worked in a wing of a large house or castle, or who lived near such a location. It could also refer to someone who worked at the wing of an army. Hence, the surname could either be topographic for someone who lived by a wing-shaped geographical feature, or occupational. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Walter de Ailes, which was dated 1198, in the "Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire" during the reign of King Richard l, known as "Richard the Lionheart," 1189 - 1199. Today, the last name Ailes is found less frequently and is not particularly common in any specific country or region. However, it remains most prevalent in the United States. It can also be found in small numbers in Canada, England, and Australia. Roger Ailes, the late American television executive and media consultant known for his stint as Chairman and CEO of Fox News, was one of the prominent bearers of this surname.

Variations of the surname Ailes

The surname Ailes has British origin and the name could have several variants and spellings based on geographical locations and dialects. It may have been derived from the old French word "Ailles" or "Ailes" which means "wings". The surname has widely been used in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Here are some potential variants and spellings for the surname Ailes:

Ayles, Aylles, Ails, Ayels, Aillez, Ailsey, Ailcey, Aleys, Aleyes, Ayley, Aile, Eyles, Eils, Eyls, Eyels, Eills, Eiles, Eilsy, Eilsie, Aylesey, Eilsey.

These spellings may have been created over time due to variations in pronunciation or to anglicize the name.

It's also worth noting that while Ailes may have related surnames, it should not be confused with other surnames that may sound similar or have similar spellings - such as Ayres, Ayers, Ailes, Eales, or Ayles - without proper genealogical research indicating a connection.

Also, one important surname of the same origin is "Aylward", an Anglo-Saxon compound of Ailes/Aylward meaning "noble protector". This surname has variant spellings like Ailward, Ealhweard, Alward, Allward, Ayloard, Ailard, etc.

Famous people with the name Ailes

• Roger Ailes: A former American television executive and media consultant who was the founder and CEO of Fox News and chairman of Fox Television Stations.
• Elizabeth Ailes: The former wife of Roger Ailes. She is a businesswoman and philanthropist.
• Zachary Ailes: The stepson of Roger Ailes and Elizabeth Ailes.
• Benjamin Ailes: The son of Elizabeth Ailes and Roger Ailes.
• Dr. Robert Ailes: A public intellectual and civil rights lawyer who served as a professor and dean at the University of Illinois College of Law.
• Ray Ailes: A former American football offensive lineman who played three seasons in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns.
• Mark Ailes: A former NBC television director who was the general manager and senior vice president of Entertainment for the E! Networks.
• Stephen Ailes: A doctor and American politician who served as a plaintiff's lawyer and judge in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
• Robert Michael Ailes: The son of Stephen Ailes and an American filmmaker who served as a producer for several television series and documentaries.
• Elizabeth Josina Ailes: The daughter of Stephen Ailes and a former Harvard Business School professor.

Other surnames

Aile