Surname Settles - Meaning and Origin

A Journey Back in Time: Discovering the Settles Legacy with iGENEA DNA Analysis

Immersing myself in the historical journey of my unique family name 'Settles', my personal account of undergoing a DNA analysis at iGENEA reveals intriguing insights about my lineage linked to the Anglo-Saxon era. It has provided invaluable knowledge of my heritage and a newfound sense of belonging.

A. Settles

Settles: What does the surname Settles mean?

The surname "Settles" originates from the Old English word "setl" which means "seat" or "dwelling". It's a locational or occupational name typically given to individuals who lived near a notable seat or a settlement or who worked in a position that involved sitting, such as a judge or a scholar. Like many surnames, it would have been used as a form of identification, indicating either where a person lived or what they did for a living. It may also denote someone who "settles" disputes or conflicts, potentially reinforcing the link to judicial or leadership roles. Please note that the precise meaning can vary based on regional and historical context.

Settles: Where does the name Settles come from?

The last name Settles is commonly found in the United States, especially in the southeast. Specifically, the states of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia have the highest concentrations of the name. It is also found in other southern states, such as South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas. Settles can also be found in further states, including Texas, Mississippi, Kentucky, New York, and Missouri.

The majority of the individuals with the last name Settles are direct descendants of settlers who moved to the southeast in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these settlers left England and Scotland in search of better opportunities and freedom in the United States, eventually settling in the south. This migration of settlers from the UK is the source of the popular last name.

The last name Settles is a fairly common one; it is estimated to be the 538th most popular last name in the United States. The many descendants of the original settlers make this last name a prominent fixture in the United States.

Variations of the surname Settles

Variations, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Settles can include Settl, Settler, Setl, Settley, Settlers, Setliff and Settlerose.

The origin of the surname Settles has two distinct origins, one being from Great Britain and the other from Germany.

In Great Britain the surname Settles is likely derived from the Middle English given name Settela, which is itself derived from the Old English personal name “Settle”. The location-based origin refers to someone from Setl, a settlement in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In this instance the surname Settles would have been an occupational name for someone involved with the commercial trade in that location.

In Germany the surname Settles or Zettiris likely has a Dutch origin. It likely derived from the Germanic personal name Zetter, a diminutive form of Zet, an archaic word for kettle in the Dutch language. In this instance, the name could have been an occupational name for someone who worked with metal kettles.

Other spellings, variants and surnames of the same origin include Settle, Settlesworth, Settlor, Settling, Settlers, Settlerose, Settloh, and Sett ♥ liff. It is important to note that individuals with any of these names are not necessarily related.

Famous people with the name Settles

• Germane Settles: Germane Settles is a former American professional basketball player who played in the NBA during the 1990s.
• Cyprien Settles: Cyprien Settles is an award-winning American film director, producer, and screenwriter.
• Robert Settles: Robert Settles is an American motivational speaker, life coach, and author of several books.
• Brain Settles: Brain Settles was a professional football player who played for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960s.
• Charles Settles: Charles Settles was an American folk and blues singer/songwriter and musician.
• William Settles: William Settles was an American actor, singer, and voice-over artist who starred in films such as The Black Stallion and The White Shadow.
• Jorvorskie Settles: Jorvorskie Settles is a former American football running back who played for the New Mexico State Aggies.
• Chandler Settles: Chandler Settles is an American songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
• Larry Settles: Larry Settles was a former politician and member of the California State Assembly from 1972 to 1978.
• Tony Settles: Tony Settles is the author of the book The Taxable Investor and the co-author of the book Investing with the Best.

Other surnames

Settle/Suttle