Last Name Campal

The surname "Campal" is a variant of the Spanish and Portuguese surnames "Campo," which means "field" or "plain" in both languages. These names were often given to people who lived near open fields or plains. The specific origin of the particular spelling "Campal" might be regional, and it could have evolved over time due to factors like phonetic changes, migration, or transcription errors during historical records. However, without further context or information about a specific family with this name, I cannot provide a more detailed explanation of its origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Campal

The meaning and origin of the last name Campal

The surname Campal is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern region of Asturias and Cantabria. It derives from the Occitan word "camp" which means 'field' or 'plain'. Initially, it was likely used as a toponymic surname, indicating someone who lived in or near an open area. Over time, this name spread across Spain, particularly in the north, and eventually became a hereditary surname. The Campal surname has several variations, including Campeal, Campoal, Campaal, among others, which are also found predominantly in the same regions of Spain. Notable persons bearing this surname include artists, politicians, and sportspeople, reflecting its widespread distribution and the diverse accomplishments of people carrying it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Campal

The surname Campal is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Castile-Leon, suggesting a historical connection to these areas. It also has a significant presence in Portugal, indicating potential Portuguese origin or migration. The name may have also been brought to Latin America by Spanish settlers and explorers, making it somewhat common in countries like Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other former Spanish colonies. Additionally, there are small populations of Campal surname holders in the United States and France, likely as a result of immigration from Spain or Latin America. The geographical distribution of this surname reflects historical patterns of Spanish and Portuguese expansion and migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Campal

The surname Campal has several variations and spellings. These include Campall, Camapal, Camapoll, Campahl, Camphal, Kampal, Kapal, and Kampaal. The origin of the name is primarily Spanish, where it is derived from the occupational name for a tanner or leather worker, from the Latin "campus," meaning "field" or "open country." Over time, regional dialects and phonetic changes have resulted in these variations. Additionally, immigrants to other countries may have anglicized, francized, or otherwise adapted the spelling of the name to fit local linguistic conventions. Despite these variations, all forms of Campal share a common root and are generally considered variants of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Campal

Notable individuals bearing the surname Campal include:

1. Francisco Javier Campal Yurre (born 1973), a Spanish professional footballer who played for various teams including Real Sociedad, Sporting de Gijón, and Racing Santander, as well as the Spanish national team.
2. María de la Concepción Campal y Anglés (1885–1965), a Spanish painter known for her works in the Modernisme style. She was one of the few female painters active during that period in Barcelona.
3. Jaime Campal (born 1945), a Mexican lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General of Mexico from 2006 to 2009, under President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa.
4. José Ramón Campal Mir (1937–2009), a Spanish Roman Catholic priest, scholar, and writer, who was the Bishop of San Cristobal de La Laguna from 1983 until his death in 2009.
5. Juan Campal (born 1960), a Cuban-American painter known for his vibrant, abstract works that often explore themes of nature and spirituality. He has exhibited widely throughout the United States and Europe.

Genealogical research on the last name Campal

The surname Campal originates from Spain, specifically the Basque Country and Aragon regions. The earliest known records date back to the 16th century. One of the first notable bearers was Juan Campal y Berganza who lived in Navarre during the 1500s. The name appears to have multiple possible origins. Some suggest it's derived from the Latin word "campus," meaning field or open country, reflecting the rural backgrounds of many early Campal families. Others propose a connection to the Basque word "ampa," which signifies a large rock or hill. Over time, the Campal family spread across Spain, with significant settlements in Catalonia and Valencia. Notable Campals include Francisco de Paula Campal y Rivero, who served as the Governor of Chile during the 19th century, and Maria Teresa Campal y Navarro, a renowned Spanish artist from the early 20th century. Today, the Campal family is found in various countries worldwide due to migration patterns over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Campal"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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