Telles

Telles is a surname of Portuguese origin. It is most commonly found in Portugal and Brazil, and it appears among Portuguese-speaking communities around the world. In contemporary usage, Telles functions primarily as a family name rather than a given name.

Etymology and origin interpretations are the subject of some scholarly discussion. The name is often considered to be toponymic, potentially deriving from place names in the Iberian Peninsula. It may also have arisen as a medieval nickname or descriptor associated with a locality or land feature. Because surname formation varied over time and region, the exact origin can differ between lineages.

Geographic distribution shows a strong concentration in Portugal and Brazil, with established diaspora communities in North America, Europe, and other regions due to historical migration. Within records, the surname may appear in various spellings depending on country and archival practices, contributing to a degree of variation in its presentation.

Variants and related spellings commonly observed in historical and contemporary records include Teles and Telle, among others. Such variants can reflect regional spelling practices, transliteration differences, or clerical standardization, and they may belong to distinct ancestral lines or parallel developments.

Notable individuals bearing the surname have emerged in diverse fields, including sports, arts, and academia, reflecting the name’s wide geographic spread. In cultural and historical contexts, Telles may also appear in genealogical and genealogical-inquiry resources as part of family-name studies.