The surname Capela has its roots in various Portuguese-speaking regions, such as Portugal and Brazil. It is derived from the word "capela," which means "chapel" in English. This name was often given to someone who lived near a chapel or church, or possibly to a person whose occupation was connected to the construction or maintenance of churches or chapels. The surname has since spread globally due to Portuguese exploration and colonization, particularly during the Age of Discovery (15th–17th centuries).
The surname Capela is of Portuguese origin and has its roots in the Middle Ages, specifically during the Christian Reconquista when Portugal was being reclaimed from the Moors. In Old Portuguese, 'capela' means 'chapel', a small church typically built within or adjacent to a larger structure, such as a castle or manor house. The surname Capela may have been given to someone who lived near a chapel, worked there, or was associated with it in some way. As people migrated and settled in new regions, they often took their surnames with them, causing the dispersal of the Capela name throughout the Portuguese-speaking world and beyond. Today, Capela is a common surname in Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other countries with Portuguese heritage.
The surname Capela has a predominant presence in Portugal, with a significant concentration in the northern regions such as Minho and Trás-os-Montes. This name is also found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and Cape Verde, due to historical migrations. In Spain, it is mostly concentrated in the region of Galicia, which shares linguistic and cultural ties with Portugal. The name Capela is also present in France, especially in the region of Aquitaine, near the Spanish border, reflecting a probable origin from migrants or cultural interactions over time. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Capela primarily reflects historical migration patterns and cultural connections between Portugal, its former territories, and neighboring countries.
The surname Capela has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects and transcribing errors over time. Some common variations include Capella, Capel, Capele, Cápela, Cápel, Capéla, Kapela, Kápela, Kapel, Kapeła, Kapéla, Kaapela, Kaapel, Kaaapela, and Kaapel. These differences arise from the use of different alphabets (Latin-script vs Portuguese-script), regional dialects, and transliteration errors when written in languages other than Portuguese. The most common spelling is Capela, which originates from Portugal. The name is derived from a place or landmark that had a chapel or small church, denoting the dweller's occupation as a caretaker of religious property or a native from such a location.
Cláudio Capela (born 1946), a Brazilian-American sculptor and ceramicist, is renowned for his work incorporating organic shapes, vivid colors, and intricate patterns. He has exhibited at numerous galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
In basketball, Christian Wood (born 1996) and Pau Gasol (born 1980) are both well-known figures under the surname Capela. Christian, an American professional player, has been a part of several NBA teams, such as Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, Pau Gasol, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a two-time NBA champion and eleven-time All-Star who played for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Los Angeles Lakers throughout his impressive career.
Lastly, Joaquim Capela (born 1986) is a Portuguese footballer who spent time at several clubs in Portugal and Spain before joining FC Porto in 2012, where he won the Taça de Portugal and the Primeira Liga in 2013. His international career includes appearances for the Portugal under-21 national team.
The surname Capela originates from Portugal and Spain, derived from the Latin word "capella," which means chapel or small church. It is one of the oldest Portuguese surnames, with records dating back to the Middle Ages. In medieval times, a family member who oversaw the local chapel was often named Capela, as they were responsible for maintaining and administering it. The name spread to other regions, including Brazil, due to colonization and migration. Notable individuals bearing this surname include João de Caparica (a Portuguese nobleman), and José Capela (a Brazilian footballer). Genealogical research indicates that variations in spelling, such as Caballero in Spanish-speaking countries, are common due to differences in language and regional dialects. The family tree of the Capela name exhibits a diverse history, with numerous branches across Europe, South America, and beyond, reflecting its longstanding legacy.
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