Last Name Botello

Learn more about the origin of the last name Botello

The meaning and origin of the last name Botello

The surname Botello is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval occupation name "Botellero," which refers to a cupbearer or butler. The word "botella" in Spanish means bottle, and it is believed that the name might have originated from the occupational title for someone who carried bottles, possibly a wine steward. This surname has been common among various Spanish-speaking regions and has been brought to other countries due to immigration waves, particularly to Latin American nations and the United States. The variation "Botello" is likely a variant spelling of the original name, with the added -o ending being a common pattern in Spanish surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Botello

The surname Botello has its roots in Spain and is primarily distributed in regions such as Castile and León, Andalusia, and Galicia. In Spain, it is most common in the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia, Toledo, Córdoba, and Sevilla. Outside of Spain, Botello is also found among Hispanic communities in various countries, particularly Mexico, the United States, and other Spanish-speaking nations due to migration over the centuries. In the United States, high concentrations of individuals with the last name Botello can be found in California, Texas, New Mexico, Florida, and Illinois.

Variants and spellings of the last name Botello

The surname Botello has several variations and spellings. The most common versions include Botelho, Bothwell, Bothé, Botella, Bottello, and Buttell. These variations can stem from regional differences, translation errors during immigration, or personal preference. The origin of the name is primarily Spanish and Portuguese, derived from the diminutive form of "botón," meaning "button." Other less common forms might include anglicized versions such as Botilow, Botiler, or Botteler, which are variations of the Old French surname Bouquetier, meaning "bottle-maker." It's also worth noting that the name can appear in different forms in various countries due to differences in transliteration and local spelling conventions.

Famous people with the last name Botello

Notable individuals with the surname Botello include:

1. Eduardo Botello (1924-2016), a Mexican composer and musicologist who was a significant figure in the development of contemporary Mexican music. He received numerous awards for his work, including the National Prize for Arts and Sciences in 1987.

2. Linda Ronstadt (born 1946), an American singer known for her versatility in genres such as rock, country, and traditional Mexican music. She is one of the best-selling artists of all time and has won ten Grammy Awards throughout her career. Interestingly, she was born to a family with Spanish, German, Scots-Irish, English, and Mexican ancestry, but she is not related to other famous Botellos.

3. Jesse Botello (1927-2016), a United States Army veteran who served during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. He was the first Mexican American to receive this honor.

4. Carlos S. Alvarez Botello (1873-1947), a Mexican politician who served as the Secretary of War and Navy under President Porfirio Díaz. He also played a key role in the Mexican Revolution, serving as governor of the state of Sonora and later becoming an influential figure in the conservative National Party.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are important figures in their respective countries' histories.

Genealogical research on the last name Botello

The Botello surname originates from Spain and is derived from the occupational name "botellero," meaning "bottlemaker." It is primarily found in regions such as Andalusia, Castile, and La Mancha. The first known reference to the Botello family can be traced back to the 13th century in the Kingdom of Castile. Notable bearers of the name include Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba y Pacheco, 1st Duke of Sessa and Marquis of Comares, a Spanish military leader during the Italian Wars and Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. The surname Botello also spread to Mexico and other Latin American countries due to colonization by Spain, with notable figures such as José María Botello y Pinto, a Mexican journalist and politician, and Lourdes Botello, a prominent Mexican architect, contributing to the family's history in the new world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Botello"
• 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 : 23 July 2025