Find out how popular the last name Télis is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Télis.
A surname indicating someone who lived on a cleared hilltop.
Télis, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Télis surname is from the 2000 census data.
Télis is the 146011th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.
The Télis surname appeared 104 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Télis.
The surname Telis is believed to have originated from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Portugal. The first traces of this surname date back to the medieval period, around the 12th and 13th centuries. This region was characterized by a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural influences due to the Reconquista and interactions between the Moors, Christians, and Jews.
Etymologically, the name Telis is derived from the Portuguese word "telha," meaning "tile" or "roof tile." The suffix "-is" may have been added as a diminutive or possessive, indicating someone who worked with or lived near a tile roofing area. The surname might have been occupational, referring to a tile-maker, or locational, related to an area known for tile production.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Telis appears in a 13th-century manuscript that listed landholders and craftspeople in central Portugal. This document, preserved in a regional archive, highlighted the name Manuel Telis among the prominent tile-makers providing materials for local monasteries and churches.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the surname Telis. One early example is Fernão Telis, a landowner documented in a 15th-century lease agreement in the Portuguese region of Alentejo. His estate was known for its productive vineyards, and his lineage continued to influence the local economy for generations.
In the 16th century, a Telis by the name of João Telis was recognized for his contributions to navigation and exploration. João was part of the crew aboard Portuguese caravels exploring the coasts of Africa and India during the Age of Discovery. His maps and journals provided valuable insights into uncharted territories.
The surname Telis also appears in ecclesiastical records from the 17th century, with Rodrigo Telis serving as a parish priest in the Algarve region. He was noted for his efforts in educational reform and the establishment of local schools, which significantly improved literacy rates within his community.
In the 18th century, Maria Telis made her mark as an influential figure in the Portuguese court. As a lady-in-waiting to Queen Maria I, she played a significant role in courtly intrigues and was known for her patronage of the arts, particularly theater and music. Her influence extended to the development of artistic expression in Lisbon during that era.
Another significant figure is António Telis, a distinguished military officer in the early 19th century. António served with distinction during the Napoleonic Wars, participating in the Peninsular Campaign. His strategic acumen and heroic acts on the battlefield earned him numerous commendations, and his memoirs provide a vivid account of this tumultuous period in European history.
In conclusion, the surname Telis has a rich and varied history, rooted in medieval Portugal and associated with occupations, exploration, ecclesiastical service, and courtly life. Its bearers have made significant contributions across different fields, leaving an indelible mark on historical records.
We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Télis.
The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:
For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Télis was:
| Race/Ethnicity | Percentage | Total Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White Only | 64.42% | 67 |
| Non-Hispanic Black Only | (S)% | (S) |
| Non-Hispanic Asian and Pacific Islander Only | (S)% | (S) |
| Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaskan Native | 0.00% | 0 |
| Non-Hispanic of Two or More Races | 7.69% | 8 |
| Hispanic Origin | 26.92% | 28 |
Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.
The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.
The history and meaning of the name Télis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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