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Liles Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Liles Surname

The surname Liles is believed to have its origins in England, derived from the Old French name "l'Isle," which translates to "the island." This surname likely referred to someone who lived near or on an island and was adopted by families over the centuries. As with many surnames, Liles has seen various adaptations and spellings, but its roots remain tied to geographical features, reflecting a common practice of surname formation during the medieval period.

As time progressed, the surname Liles spread beyond its English origins, carried by families who migrated and settled in new areas. Notable figures with the surname have emerged across different fields and regions, such as Alva Liles and Sonny Liles in American football, Brent Liles in the music industry, and Frankie Liles in boxing. This reflects a broadening of the Liles family tree across the United States and internationally, showcasing the surname's cultural and geographical expansion.

The YourRoots dataset corroborates the spread of the Liles surname by highlighting its presence in records from the 17th century onward, particularly in the United States. This aligns with historical migration patterns where many English surnames crossed the Atlantic. The dataset also reveals connections among prominent individuals like Andrew Liles, a UK sound artist, and Justin Liles, a meteorologist in Minnesota, indicating the surname's diverse representation in various professions.

For those researching Liles genealogy, the YourRoots data offers valuable insights into the surname's historical journey and contemporary presence. It enriches our understanding of how the Liles family tree has shaped and been shaped by cultural and regional influences over centuries, providing a robust starting point for tracing individual family histories and connections.

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Tracing Your Liles Family Lineage

Currently, YourRoots Map does not yet have enough verified historical and migration data to provide a detailed analysis of the Liles surname. However, we’re continuously expanding our global database using family trees, historical records, and DNA-based connections contributed by our growing community of researchers.

As more data becomes available, this page will be updated to include an in-depth look at the [SURNAME] family’s regional origins, early historical records, and migration patterns across centuries.

Famous People with Liles (and Their Family Tree)

Kevin Liles

Kevin Liles

Kevin Liles, born February 27, 1968, is a prominent American record executive and co-founder of 300 Entertainment, a leading music label. Known for his remarkable career, Liles has held significant roles, including president of Def Jam Recordings and executive vice president of Warner Music Group. In 2020, Billboard Magazine recognized him as R&B/Hip-Hop Executive of the Year for his activism and support of artists like Megan Thee Stallion. His career began with the DJ crew Numarx, contributing to the hit "Girl You Know It's True," later popularized by Milli Vanilli. Liles is also active in philanthropy, notably through the Kevin Liles for a Better Baltimore Foundation.

Raised near Baltimore, Maryland, Kevin Liles grew up with his mother, Alberta Fennoy, an accountant, and stepfather Jerome Fennoy, a railway conductor. He was brought up alongside three siblings and attended Woodlawn High School. His educational journey continued at Morgan State University, where he pursued engineering on a NASA scholarship, although he left to follow a music career.

John-Michael Liles

John-Michael Liles

John-Michael Liles, born on November 25, 1980, in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a former professional ice hockey defenseman renowned for his impressive career in the NHL, playing for teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Boston Bruins. Liles' career highlights include being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team and setting records as a high-scoring defenseman. An offensive talent, he also became a minority owner of the Indiana Ice in the USHL. His collegiate success at Michigan State University, where he was a standout player, further solidified his reputation in the hockey world.

Frankie Liles

Frankie Liles

Frankie Liles, born on February 14, 1965, is a celebrated American former professional boxer known for holding the Lineal and WBA super-middleweight titles. With a remarkable amateur record of 285-14, Liles achieved significant success, including a bronze medal at the 1987 Pan American Games. As a professional, he captured the super-middleweight titles in 1994 and defended them against notable fighters like Michael Nunn and Tim Littles. Liles retired in 2002 and later became a trainer for K-1, working with athletes like Musashi and Manny Pacquiao under the guidance of Freddie Roach.

Brent Liles

Brent Liles

Brent Harold Liles, an influential American musician, was renowned for his role as a bassist in iconic punk bands Social Distortion and Agent Orange. He contributed to Social Distortion’s classic debut album "Mommy's Little Monster" and later joined Agent Orange, featuring on their album "Real Live Sound." His songwriting includes tracks like "Mass Hysteria" and "Broken Dreams," highlighting his creative prowess. Liles was known for playing a Rickenbacker 4001 bass and had a brief stint with The Harlots, showcasing his versatility in the punk rock scene. His career spanned from the early 1980s until he left the music industry in the mid-1990s.

Brent Liles was born as an only child on September 7, 1963. His father tragically passed away in a plane crash when Brent was just eight years old, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Carol Liles. Brent was a standout tennis player during his school years, but ultimately pursued a career in music. He is survived by his mother and daughter, Maddie Liles, and a benefit concert was held for his family after his untimely death in 2007.

Andrew Liles

Andrew Liles

Andrew Liles, born on March 11, 1969, is a renowned British sound artist and multi-instrumentalist known for his diverse contributions to experimental music, dark ambient music, progressive rock, and hard rock. Since the mid-1980s, Liles has released numerous recordings and collaborated with prominent artists such as Bass Communion, Steven Stapleton, Nurse With Wound, and Current 93, among others. His notable works include albums like "An Un World," "Love Song," and "My Long Accumulating Discontent," showcasing his innovative approach to sound and music production. Liles' extensive discography and collaborations highlight his influential role in the music industry, making him a significant figure in the experimental music scene.

Liles Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Liles" is associated with various notable individuals across different fields, primarily in the United States and the UK. People with this surname have made contributions in sports, music, academia, and the arts, highlighting a diverse range of professions.

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Where to Find Genealogy Records for Liles

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Liles family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Liles surname to learn more.

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