Find out how popular the last name Uncles is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Uncles.

Uncles, 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 Uncles surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Uncles in America

Uncles is the 154907th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Uncles surname appeared 105 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Uncles.

The history of the last name Uncles

The surname UNCLES has its origins in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "unca," meaning "uncle." This word was likely used as a nickname for an uncle-like individual or one who held a position of respect or authority within their community.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the UNCLES surname can be found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, where a Richard Unckles is mentioned as residing in Oxfordshire. This spelling variation highlights the fluidity of surnames during this period, as they were often adapted based on local dialects and scribes' interpretations.

In the 14th century, the UNCLES name appeared in various manorial records and tax rolls across counties like Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. This suggests that the name had spread across eastern England, possibly through familial ties or migration patterns.

The 1379 Poll Tax records for Yorkshire list a John Vnkille, showcasing another early spelling variation. This document provides valuable insights into the distribution of surnames across medieval England and their evolution over time.

Notable individuals with the UNCLES surname include Thomas Uncles (1532-1594), a prominent merchant and alderman in the city of Bristol during the Elizabethan era. His legacy is reflected in the naming of Uncles Passage, a historic alleyway in Bristol's city center.

During the 17th century, the UNCLES family had a presence in the Oxfordshire town of Banbury. Records from 1628 mention a Richard Uncles, who served as a church warden in the parish of St. Mary's.

Moving into the 18th century, the 1776 will of John Uncles, a wealthy landowner from Cambridgeshire, provides insights into the family's holdings and social standing during this period.

In the 19th century, the UNCLES surname gained literary recognition through the works of poet and playwright Thomas Uncles (1805-1876), whose works were widely published and celebrated during his lifetime.

Throughout its history, the UNCLES surname has maintained a strong presence in various regions of England, with notable individuals contributing to the fabric of their local communities and broader society.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Uncles

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Uncles.

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:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Uncles was:

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.

Data source

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 Uncles was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Uncles, please contact us.

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