Last Name Bidal

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bidal

The meaning and origin of the last name Bidal

The surname Bidal originates from the Basque region, a historical area spanning parts of Spain and France known for its unique culture and language. In Basque, "bidal" translates to "middle," which might have been given as a descriptive name, referring to a location situated between two other places or a person who was positioned centrally in some context. As many Basque families migrated throughout Europe and the Americas, the surname Bidal spread across various regions, often undergoing phonetic changes due to local dialects. Today, individuals bearing the name Bidal can be found worldwide, though a significant number still reside within the Basque Country.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bidal

The surname Bidal has its origins primarily in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. It is one of the most common Basque surnames, often associated with the province of Gipuzkoa in Spain. However, it can also be found in other Basque-speaking regions such as Navarre and Lapurdi (Labourd) in France. Outside of the Basque region, the name has been dispersed due to migration, particularly to South America, where it is prevalent among descendants of Basque immigrants, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile. In recent times, its occurrence can also be found in other parts of Europe and North America, mainly through the diaspora of Basques.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bidal

The surname Bidal has several variations and spellings. They include:

1. Bidell - This spelling is found in English-speaking countries and can be a variant or a phonetic adaptation of the original French name.
2. Bidel - This variation may appear in non-English speaking regions where the surname has been translated or transcribed using local phonetics.
3. Vidal - A more common Spanish and Portuguese version of the surname, pronounced similarly to its French counterpart.
4. Bydal - A rare Scandinavian variant that could be a result of cultural assimilation or misinterpretation of the original name.
5. Biedel/Biedal - These are less common German variations, potentially derived from the French surname.
6. Beidel - Another possible German variation, though less prevalent than the previously mentioned forms.
7. Vidale - An Italian variant, similar to the Spanish and Portuguese form, but with a slightly different emphasis on syllables.
8. Bidault - A French name that shares a similar origin but has undergone slight phonetic changes over time.
9. Bydell - This spelling may be found in some English-speaking countries, particularly in regions where Scandinavian influences are present.

Famous people with the last name Bidal

The Bidal family has produced several notable figures across various fields, including politics, sports, and academia. One prominent member is Jose 'Peping' Bidal, a Philippine politician who served as the governor of Negros Oriental province from 2010 to 2019. In the world of sports, Xavier Malisse, a professional tennis player, hails from the Bidal family. Born in Belgium, Malisse reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 14 in 2005 and won nine ATP titles throughout his career. In academia, Juan M. Bidal, a Spanish engineer and scientist, has made significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. He is a professor at the Technical University of Madrid and has published numerous papers on advanced networking technologies. These examples illustrate the diverse accomplishments of individuals bearing the last name Bidal.

Genealogical research on the last name Bidal

The surname Bidal originates from the Basque region in Spain and France. It is derived from the given name "Bidalt" or "Vidalt," which means "noble" or "generous." The first recorded use of the last name dates back to the 13th century. The name was brought to other regions of Europe, including Portugal and Italy, through migration. In Spain, the Bidal family is historically associated with Navarre and Biscay, provinces known for their strong Basque heritage. Notable individuals bearing the surname include the Spanish politician Antonio de Bidal Urkixo, who served as the ambassador to France during the 18th century, and Basque singer Amaia Montero Bidal, who represented Spain in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011. The distribution of the surname today shows significant concentrations in Basque regions, as well as Portugal, Italy, Argentina, and Uruguay.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bidal"
• 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 : 25 July 2025