Surname Sails - Meaning and Origin

Sails: What does the surname Sails mean?

The last name Sails has various possible origin stories and meanings. One origin theory suggests that it is derived from the French surname "Saulx," meaning "like the willow tree." This could refer to either the shape of a willow tree's branches, or its functions in landscape, such as providing shade and protection from wind and water.

Another possible origin story indicates that Sails is a locational name, which refers to someone who had lived near a river or lake, where the water is calm enough for sailing boats to move without danger of capsizing. This would make sense, as the word "sail" in a nautical context also implies tranquility and security.

It is possible that the last name Sails was adopted by people who engaged in the shipping industry, such as sailors, merchants, fishermen, etc. This could suggest that a person with this last name considered sailing as part of their career or trade.

The last name Sails could also be a variation of Saillant, which describes someone who is clever and active. This could be someone with an aptitude for sailing, since it requires quick thinking and strategy.

Nevertheless, the exact origin of the last name Sails is unknown. It could be derived from any of the previously mentioned theories, or could have a completely different meaning, depending on the region and heritage of the person's family.

Sails: Where does the name Sails come from?

The last name Sails is commonly found in the United States and Canada. Within the United States, the highest concentration of the surname is concentrated in Pennsylvania, with over 700 individuals currently using the last name. The second-highest concentration of Sails is found in Illinois, followed by Minnesota.

Outside of the United States, the last name Sails is most popular in the United Kingdom, where it can be found in the highest numbers in the Midlands, with over 350 individuals using this surname. Australia also has a significant number of individuals with the last name Sails, particularly in the state of Victoria.

Tracing the origin of the Sails name reveals that it derived from the Olde English word sægol, meaning ‘seemly’ or ‘comely’. This may suggest that the original bearer of the name either exemplified those traits, or may explain why the name endured through the centuries.

The Sails name can also be associated with maritime history. The word sails references a category of ships known for their size and speed, so it is possible that the original bearer of the name was a seafarer or sailor.

In addition, the last name Sails has been linked to certain families of French decent, hinting at potential origins in France. The Sails surname has also been noted among members of the Welsh-Cornish border of England, but its ultimate origin remains uncertain.

Variations of the surname Sails

The surname Sails can have several variants. Common spellings include Sailor, Sayles, Sailes, Sails, Seales and Sale. These surnames are all derived from the Old French word saille which means a nobleman, not a sailor as the English language translation implies. The English version was adapted from the Anglo-Norman teutonic word Sahille and this was used to refer to someone who held a post in the Royal Navy or the service of Royalty, or some other sort of official service position.

The surname can also be derived from German settlers in America. In this case, the American version would be Sailer or Saylor. The German spelling is usually Seiler which means to adventure along the shorelines or to travel along rivers or lakes. The Dutch version is Sailer which means one who weaves fabrics.

In other parts of Europe, the spelling and variation can include Salyer, Sayer, Sanker and Inglis. In Great Britain and Ireland, the spelling Sale is more widespread, which is derived from the place in England that is called Sale.

The spelling of the surname can vary depending on where and when it was used. In some cases, the spelling is specific to a certain country or region. For instance, in France, the surname is spelled Sailler while in Germany it is spelled Sayler.

Finally, the surname can also be spelled in other ways derived from different languages such as the Italian spelling Sale, the Spanish spelling Sailler, and the Polish spelling Szeler. These spellings are all derived from the same Old French word but shaped in different ways due to the influence of the spoken language.

Famous people with the name Sails

• Jamie Sails: a British-American actress who has appeared in popular television shows such as The Wire, The Good Wife, and Boardwalk Empire.
• Trey Sails: an American hip-hop artist known for his hit songs "Doin' My Thing" and "All I Know".
• Jodie Sails: an Australian actress best known for her roles in the long-running drama series Neighbours, and in television movies such as The Karen Carpenter Story.
• Marvin Sails: an English footballer who has played professionally for several clubs, including Manchester City and Leicester City.
• Lawrence Sails: a renowned American landscape artist, particularly known for his series of lush, dreamy landscapes painted in glowing oils.
• William Sails: a noted American jazz vocalist and songwriter, best known for his swinging, joyous renditions of classic tunes such as "Just One of Those Things" and "Carolina Shout".
• Barry Sails: an American country music singer-songwriter and actor best known for hits such as "Lonely Street" and "Hillbilly Heaven".
• Jack Sails: an American folk guitarist and lap-style folk composer whose vibrant, complex compositions have been embraced by folk fans around the world.
• Andrew Sails: an award-winning preservation architect from Upstate New York, he is particularly known for his work on renovating landmark properties in Albany, NY.
• Austin Sails: an American professional skateboarder from Arizona, he is widely considered one of the top skateboarders in the world, having competed at major skateboard competitions around the world.

Other surnames

SailSaileSailerSailesSailor