Last Name Teles

The last name Teles has its origins in Portugal. It is a variant of the more common Portuguese surname "Teles de Mouzinho" and derives from the medieval personal name Telhas or Telo, which meant "tile maker" or "potter." This name was borne by several noble families in Portugal during the Middle Ages and became a hereditary surname over time. The name Teles is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique due to historical colonization and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Teles

The meaning and origin of the last name Teles

The surname Teles is of Greek origin, derived from the word "télos," which means "goal" or "end" in English. It was originally a given name, but over time it became a patronymic surname, indicating that it was the son of someone named Teles. The Teles family is one of the oldest and most prominent in Greece, with roots tracing back to ancient times. Notable individuals bearing this name include philosopher Themistius Telesio, who lived during the Renaissance, and modern-day Greek politician Stavros Teles. The name has also spread globally due to Greek immigration, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it can be found among Hellenic communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Teles

The surname Teles is primarily distributed across Portugal and Brazil. In Portugal, it is most concentrated in the regions of Minho, Trás-os-Montes, and the city of Porto, where it originated from the medieval occupation by the Moors, which led to a significant Moorish influence on the region's surnames. In Brazil, the name Teles is prevalent in the Southeastern states, such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, due to Portuguese colonization. The name Teles also appears in small numbers in other parts of Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, as a result of migration waves during colonial times and subsequent centuries. Additionally, some families with the surname Teles can be found in other European countries, primarily Spain and France, due to historical ties between Portugal and these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Teles

The surname Teles has multiple variations and spellings across different regions. Some common variations include Telez, Telés, Teixeira de Teles, de Teles, and De Teles. In Portuguese-speaking countries, the name can be found spelled as Teles, Telés, or Telheiros. In some cases, it may also appear with additional prefixes such as "de" or "Teixeira de." Additionally, it is sometimes found in Latin America and Brazil, where there are variations due to the phonetic changes that have occurred over time. For example, in some regions, the name might be pronounced with a silent "s," resulting in Telez or Telés. Overall, while the surname Teles is most commonly spelled as Teles in English, it has a rich history and can be found in numerous variations and spellings across various cultures.

Famous people with the last name Teles

Notable individuals with the surname Teles include:

1. Carlos Alberto Teles da Silva (born 1983), also known as Casemiro, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays for Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. He has won multiple titles, including the UEFA Champions League three times.

2. Pedro Pauleta Teles de Almeida Júnior (born 1972), a Portuguese former professional football striker, played for clubs like Porto, Borussia Dortmund, and Fenerbahçe. He represented Portugal at the international level, including the UEFA Euro 2004 campaign where they finished as runners-up.

3. Carlos Teles (1926–1985) was a Brazilian journalist and writer, best known for his coverage of sports events, particularly football, and his political satire. He worked for various Brazilian newspapers, such as O Globo and Jornal do Brasil.

4. José da Silva Teles (1893–1959), also known as José de Almeida Teles, was a Portuguese lawyer, writer, and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Portugal from 1949 to 1950. He is recognized for his role in establishing Portugal's Second Republic after the overthrow of the Estado Novo regime.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on their communities and countries.

Genealogical research on the last name Teles

The surname Teles originates from Portugal and Spain, with roots tracing back to medieval Iberia. It is derived from the Latin "telescopium" or "telescopus," meaning "long-eyed" or "observant." The name was often given to individuals who were considered astute or insightful.

In Portugal, the Teles family can be traced back to the 12th century, with some of its most notable members serving in high positions within the royal court and the Church. One of the earliest records is that of Gonçalo Anes de Teles, who was a knight and one of the first companions of Henry the Navigator during the Age of Discoveries.

In Spain, the name Téllez (a variant of Teles) was prominent among the nobility, particularly in the Castile region. Notable figures include Pedro Téllez de Girón, who played a significant role in the Reconquista, and his son Álvaro Téllez de Girón, a military leader during the late Middle Ages.

Today, the Teles surname can be found throughout the Portuguese-speaking world, as well as among Sephardic Jewish communities, reflecting its historical roots and the diaspora of Iberian Jews following the expulsion of 1492.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Teles"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

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