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Last Name Bordallo

What is the origin of the last name Bordallo?

The surname Bordallo is of Portuguese origin. It is derived from a place name in Portugal, specifically from the town of "Bordalo", located in the district of Santarem. Over time, people from this town or region carried the name with them as they migrated to other parts of Europe and later the world, leading to the widespread use of the surname Bordallo.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Bordallo

The meaning and origin of the last name Bordallo

The surname Bordallo is primarily found among the populations of Portugal and Galicia (a region in northwestern Spain). It derives from the Latin term "borde" which means "border, boundary." Originally, it was likely a topographical name for someone who lived near a border or boundary, or a metonymic occupational name for a guard of a boundary. The Portuguese and Galician variations are often spelled Bordallo, Borralho, Borrallo, and Borralha, with slight variations based on regional dialects. Historically, the surname has been recorded in various forms in both Portugal and Spain over several centuries, reflecting its deep historical roots in these regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bordallo

The surname Bordallo is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Portugal and its territories, as it originates from the Galician region in northwestern Spain. However, it also has significant representation among the Azorean and Madeiran communities in Portugal, who emigrated to other countries during the colonial era and post-World War II period. The name is also widespread in Brazil, where it is notably common in the northeastern states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, and Sergipe, due to historical migration patterns within the country. In addition, Bordallo is present in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, as well as other Portuguese-speaking African countries like Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe, reflecting the global dispersal of Portuguese culture and migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bordallo

The surname Bordallo has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Borralho, Bordalo, Bordelô, Borrallo, and Borrallo dos Santos. These variations stem from changes in spelling conventions over time and regional dialects. Additionally, the name may also appear as Bourdalleau or Bourdalou, which are French versions of the same surname. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is common for the name to be followed by a patronymic such as Bordallo Rocha or Bordalo Pereira. The original root of the name is unclear, although it is believed to have origins in the Basque Country or Galicia, Spain.

Famous people with the last name Bordallo

Notable individuals bearing the surname Bordallo include:

1. Madeleine Bordallo (born 1945), an American politician who served as Guam's non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2019. She was the first woman and the second person of Guamanian descent to be elected to Congress.

2. Louis Bordallo (born 1956), an American politician who served as a member of the Guam Legislature from 2003 to 2011. He also held several cabinet positions in Guam, including Governor Felix Camacho's Chief of Staff and Lieutenant Governor James Ada's Chief Adjutant.

3. Joaquin Bordallo (1876-1946), a prominent Guamanian political figure who served as the first Speaker of the Legislature of Guam from 1950 to 1951, and again from 1952 to 1953. He was instrumental in the drafting of Guam's first constitution after its Organic Act was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1950.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their communities, particularly in the field of politics and governance.

Genealogical research on the last name Bordallo

The surname Bordallo originates from the Spanish and Galician word "bordalo," meaning "rough, broken, or unshapely stone." It is most prominent in the islands of the Canary Archipelago, Spain, with the highest concentration found on the island of Tenerife. From the Canaries, the name spread to Portugal, Brazil, and other Spanish-speaking regions.

The Bordallo family has a notable history in the Canaries, particularly within the political and social sectors. Francisco Bordallo Izquierdo was the first known bearer of this surname, who lived on Tenerife during the late 16th century. His descendants include Juan Antonio Bordallo Campos, one of the most influential politicians in the Canarian history, serving as President of the Canary Islands from 1875 to 1877.

In the Americas, the first recorded Bordallos were the brothers Manuel and Bernardo Bordallo, who settled in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the early 19th century. Their descendants have become an important part of Brazilian society, with numerous political leaders, military personnel, and entrepreneurs bearing the name.

Today, the Bordallos are scattered worldwide, maintaining their unique cultural heritage while adapting to new environments. They continue to make significant contributions in various fields such as politics, arts, science, and business.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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