Last Name Barela

The last name "Barela" is of Spanish origin. It is a variant of the surname "Varela," which can be traced back to the region of Galicia in northwest Spain. The name is derived from the Galician word "varela," meaning "brother," or from "vara," meaning "stick" or "rod." Over time, as families migrated or emigrated, variations in spelling and pronunciation occurred, leading to the different forms of the name, such as "Barela."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barela

The meaning and origin of the last name Barela

The surname Barela originates from Spain and has deep roots in the Iberian Peninsula. It is derived from the Spanish word "barea," meaning "fleet" or "group of ships." Historically, the surname Barela could have been an occupational name for someone involved in maritime activities or a name given to an individual who was associated with shipbuilding or sailing. The surname has variations such as Barrella and Baréla and might have undergone changes in spelling or pronunciation as it spread across different regions. Over time, the surname Barela expanded its reach beyond Spain, particularly to countries with Spanish influence such as Mexico, the United States, and various Latin American countries. Today, the surname Barela is commonly found in these regions, with individuals proudly carrying on their ancestral roots and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barela

The last name Barela has a fascinating geographical distribution primarily concentrated in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico. It is commonly found among people of Hispanic descent, especially those with Mexican ancestry. In the United States, states such as New Mexico and Colorado have a significant population of individuals with the last name Barela. These areas have historical ties to Spanish colonization, leading to a strong presence of Hispanic communities. Additionally, Barela can also be found in smaller numbers throughout other states in the southwestern region, including California, Texas, and Arizona. In Mexico, the last name Barela is prevalent in the northern states, particularly in Chihuahua, Durango, and Sonora. The geographical distribution of the last name Barela showcases a rich heritage and historical connections to Spanish and Mexican cultures in the southwestern region of the United States and northern Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barela

The last name Barela has several variations and spellings, reflecting the diversity associated with surnames. One common variant is Barilla, which may be particularly pronounced in Italian-speaking regions due to its similarity to the Italian word for "flour." Another variation is Barrella, with an additional 'e' suggesting a more elongated pronunciation. Being of Spanish origin, the surname Barela is often spelled as Varela, which can be seen as an Anglicized adaptation or a consequence of migration to countries with different naming conventions. Similarly, Bariella may appear as a surname variant influenced by individuals who migrated to English-speaking areas. Other potential variations include Barilla, Barella, Varella, Barla, and even Baerla, with each spelling reflecting diverse linguistic influences and regional pronunciation differences. The surname Barela and its numerous variants represent not only the versatility of names in different languages but also the migrations and cultural interactions that shape surnames throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Barela

One notable individual with the last name Barela is Benito Barela, a well-known American politician. Born in New Mexico in 1864, Benito Barela became the first Hispanic American elected to the Colorado State Senate in 1912. He fought for the rights and representation of Hispanic Americans, tackling issues surrounding labor, education, and civil rights. Barela's political career spanned over 40 years, during which he was widely recognized for his dedication to public service and his efforts to improve the lives of marginalized communities. His legacy as a pioneering politician and advocate for equality continues to inspire many to this day. While there may not be many other famous individuals specifically with the last name Barela, it is important to acknowledge the countless lesser-known individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, whether in art, science, sports, or any other domain. Together, they collectively represent the diverse talents and achievements of the Barela surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Barela

The last name Barela is of Spanish origin, deriving from the Old Spanish word "barreela" meaning "small barrel." It is a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally used to identify the descendants of a person named Barello or Varella. The family name can be traced back to Spain, specifically the region of Galicia, where it likely originated. Over time, descendants of the Barela family migrated to other parts of the world. One notable migration was to the New World, particularly Mexico and later the southwestern United States. Today, the surname Barela is relatively common among people of Spanish and Hispanic descent, specifically in these regions. Genealogical research on the Barela family may reveal a rich history of Spanish heritage, migration patterns, and connections to other families of similar origin or within the same region.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barela"
• 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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