There are known Sales families existing in Moalboal, Cebu; Cordova, Cebu, and Cebu City.  These three families are proven related families.     Saleses have also been known to have lived in Vigan, Manila, and most of the provinces in Luzon, but as stated these families cannot be connected to the Visayan branches of the family.

Origin of the Family Name

     The family name is Spanish in origin, and seemed to have originated from the Basque region of the Spanish peninsula, although it has variants and/or counterparts in other languages.  The word sales is a plural form of the Spanish word sal, a noun which has three possible meanings, but its most popular translation and usage is salt.  The term sal , however, may also be used to refer to charm or wit, but these terms are seldom associated with the word.  Its other usage include echar sal a, which means to salt; la sal de la vida, meaning the spice of life; sal de mesa, or table salt; sales aromáticas, or smelling salts; and sales de baño, or bath salts. (Online Spanish Dictionary, 2003)

     An etymological study of the term sal would also point to the German term sahl or saal that signifies a hall or court. Its French transliteration, also having the same meaning, is salle. Indeed, this is where the English surname Sales (pronounced as sails) is derived from.  This particular English family name refers to servant by the hall. (Grolier Encyclopedia, 1969 and www.last-names.com, 2003)

     The surname may also have a topological origin.  It may have been derived from the river Sale, which is located in France.  Or it may also refer to the Saal River of Bavaria, Germany. It can also point to a small town in France where St. Francis de Sales hails. (www.last-names.com, 2003).

Symbolism of Salt

     Throughout history, salt has always been considered one of the most important necessities for the human species.  It was often traded for gold and other precious minerals, used as material for currencies in different ancient cultures, and was heavily taxed.  For centuries, different cultures have always made use of salt to preserve their food.  Indeed, salt has been nicknamed the great preserver.  Today, no human dwelling is complete without salt.  It is also used in the chemical industry, as a deicer, in the food industry, and other important industries such as ceramic glazing, livestock feeding, and in the production of medicine.  (The World Book Encyclopedia, 1992)