kelles

Kelles refers to a surname of Germanic origin. It is believed to derive from the personal name Kelle, a Low German diminutive of the given name Nikolaus. The name spread across various Germanic-speaking regions, particularly in Northern Germany and the Netherlands. Over time, as surnames became more common, Kelles emerged as a patronymic, indicating descent from an ancestor named Kelle. Variations in spelling can be found throughout historical records, influenced by regional dialects and the evolution of orthography. The surname is present in several countries today, with notable concentrations in Germany and the United States, often as a result of historical migration patterns. The exact meaning and etymology are tied to the broader origins of the name Nikolaus, which itself means "victory of the people." While the surname Kelles is not particularly widespread globally, it represents a distinct lineage with roots in historical Germanic naming traditions.