Last Name Arevalo

The last name "Arevalo" has Spanish origins. It is derived from the place name "Arevalo," which is a city in the province of Avila, located in the Castile-Leon region of central Spain. People who originated from or had ties to this region often adopted "Arevalo" as their surname. Over time, as families migrated or were dispersed, the name spread to different Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, individuals with the last name "Arevalo" can be found in various places, including Spain, Latin America, and other Spanish-speaking regions around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arevalo

The meaning and origin of the last name Arevalo

The surname Arevalo is of Spanish origin and has multiple variations such as Arévalo, Arébalo, Arribalo, and others. This surname is believed to derive from the place name Arévalo, a town located in the province of Ávila, Castile and León, Spain. The town's name itself is said to have been derived from the Latin term "ara" meaning "altar" and "vallum" meaning "wall" or "enclosed area." Therefore, the name Arévalo translates to "enclosed area with an altar."

Those who bear the surname Arevalo are likely to have ancestral ties to the town or region of Arévalo in Spain. Like many surnames, Arevalo may have originated from a person who lived in or migrated from the Arévalo area, and adopted the name as a means to distinguish themselves from others. Over time, descendants of these individuals have continued to bear the surname as part of their family heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arevalo

The last name Arevalo has a widespread geographical distribution, with significant concentrations found in various countries across the globe. A prominent presence of individuals bearing this surname can be seen in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castilla y León, Extremadura, and La Rioja. In Latin America, Arevalo is a common surname in countries such as Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. Additionally, it is also found in significant numbers in the Philippines, a country with a historical connection to Spain. The surname has also made its way to other parts of the world through migration and diaspora, with notable populations in the United States, particularly in California and Texas, as well as in Canada and Australia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Arevalo suggests a strong presence within Spanish-speaking communities, both in their countries of origin and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arevalo

The last name Arevalo has a few variations and spellings. One common variant is Arévalo, which includes an accented letter "é", giving it a more distinct pronunciation. Another version is Areválo, which features an accented letter "á". These variations can often be found among individuals with Spanish-speaking backgrounds or heritage. Other potential spellings might include Arebalo or Areballo, where the "v" is substituted for a "b" or a double "l" is added at the end. These variations might be the result of different regional pronunciations or phonetic adaptations over time. Nonetheless, regardless of the specific spelling or variation, the last name Arevalo, along with its different permutations, retains its historical and cultural significance. It is important to note that while the spelling might differ, the pronunciation and meaning of the name generally remain unchanged.

Famous people with the last name Arevalo

One famous individual with the last name Arevalo is Martha Arevalo, a prominent advocate for immigrant rights in the United States. She is the executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), an organization dedicated to advancing the rights and dignity of day laborers. Arevalo has been a pivotal figure in the fight for fair treatment and improved working conditions for this vulnerable community, addressing issues such as wage theft and labor exploitation. Her diligent work has garnered recognition and respect from various human rights organizations, as well as earned her a place among influential leaders fighting for social justice. Additionally, there are several notable individuals with the last name Arevalo, such as actors and artists, who have left their mark in their respective fields, but Martha Arevalo stands out due to her impact on the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.

Genealogical research on the last name Arevalo

The last name Arevalo has its origins in the Spanish region of Castile. It derives from the name of a small municipality called Arevalo, which was once a significant medieval fortress. The surname is primarily found in Spain, particularly in the provinces of Avila and Valladolid. Over time, individuals with the surname Arevalo migrated to various parts of the world, including Latin America, particularly El Salvador, Peru, and Mexico.

Genealogical research on the Arevalo surname reveals a rich history spanning several generations. The research focuses on tracing the ancestral lineage of individuals with this last name, including identifying notable figures and family migrations. The research may involve consulting birth, marriage, and death records, census information, and other historical documentation. Modern genealogical tools and DNA testing may also be utilized to establish connections between branches of the Arevalo family tree and to discover relations with other individuals or families with similar surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arevalo"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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