Bales Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Bales come from? What does the surname Bales mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Bales and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Bales Origin: What does the last name Bales mean?
The surname Bales has its roots in the United States, with records dating back to the early 17th century. Derived from common knowledge, the name Bales has been associated with various countries such as England, Germany, Canada, and Australia over the centuries, showcasing a global spread. It has remained closely linked with the United States in the 17th and 18th centuries, with a significant volume of records containing the Bales surname by the 20th century.
YourRoots data confirms the Bales surname's presence in countries like Canada, England, Australia, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, Netherlands, Brazil, and France, highlighting its worldwide presence. The surname's history reflects its journey across different regions and cultures, solidifying its place in various countries and demonstrating its enduring legacy.
Bales Last Name History: Where did the last name Bales come from?
Origin of Bales Surname: Where does the last name Bales originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Bales first appeared in records from United States around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Bales spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Bales: What does the Bales surname history look like in the early days?
The Bales surname remained closely associated with United States in the 17th and 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Bales family records in countries like England, Germany, Canada, and Australia, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Bales surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Bales surname grew significantly in United States. The Bales surname remains prominent in United States, Canada, England, Australia, Germany, South Africa, New Zealand, Netherlands, Brazil, and France. It appears in many countries, showcasing its worldwide presence.
Explore Bales last name heritage and Bales surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Bales Surame?
Robert Bales
Robert Bales (born June 30, 1973) is a former Army sniper who gained notoriety for committing the Kandahar massacre in Afghanistan in 2012. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including murder and assault, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Bales, who had a troubled past with legal issues and financial fraud, joined the Army after the September 11 attacks. Despite his military service, his actions in Afghanistan led to one of the deadliest incidents involving U.S. forces in the country. Bales' case has sparked debates on the impact of combat stress and the consequences of war on individuals involved.
Barry Bales
Barry Turner Bales (August 23, 1969 - ) is an American musician known for his role as the bass player and harmony vocalist for Alison Krauss and Union Station. Bales has been a member of the band for over 25 years and won a Grammy in 2012 for their album "Paper Airplane." In addition to his work with Union Station, he is also part of The Earls of Leicester. Bales' musical journey started at a young age, and he has collaborated with various artists in the acoustic music scene. Currently residing in Tennessee with his family, Bales continues to be a sought-after session musician in the industry.
Alison Bales
Alison Marie Bales (April 4, 1985) is a retired American professional basketball player, known for her standout career in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Standing at 6' 7", Bales played center for the Duke Blue Devils in college, setting shot-blocking records. She was drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2007 and later played for the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury. With a background in cultural anthropology and biology, Bales balanced sports with academics. After retiring, she pursued a career in medicine, completing a surgical fellowship. Bales left a lasting impact on the basketball world with her impressive defensive skills and dedication to both sports and education.
Steve Bales
Steve Edward Bales (October 7, 1942) is a former NASA engineer and flight controller known for his pivotal role during the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Born in Ottumwa, Iowa, Bales' quick decision-making skills saved the mission when faced with critical errors. He continued his career at NASA, eventually becoming Deputy Director of Operations at the Johnson Space Center. Bales' story was featured in various documentaries and the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon." His legacy as a key figure in space exploration lives on, showcasing his contributions to the historic Apollo 11 mission.
Kevin Bales
Kevin Brian Bales (born 1952) is a renowned Professor of Contemporary Slavery at the University of Nottingham and co-author of the Global Slavery Index. He is a prominent figure in the fight against modern slavery, having co-founded Free the Slaves, the US sister organization of Anti-Slavery International. Bales has received numerous awards for his work, including the Premio Viareggio prize and the University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Improving World Order. He has authored several books on modern slavery, with his notable work "Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy" shedding light on various forms of contemporary slavery. Bales continues to be a leading voice in advocating for human rights and social justice.
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