Last Name Capilla

The surname "Capilla" has Spanish origins. It is derived from the word "capilla," which means chapel or small church. This surname may have been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a chapel, or it could have been an occupational name for a caretaker of a small church. The use of surnames originated in Europe during the Middle Ages as a way to differentiate individuals within a community. In Spain, it became common to adopt hereditary surnames in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Capilla

The meaning and origin of the last name Capilla

The surname Capilla is predominantly Spanish in origin, derived from the Latin word "capella," which means "chapel." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near or worked at a chapel or small church. In medieval Spain, such a location would have been an important gathering place for religious and community events, making it a significant part of daily life. Over time, the name Capilla spread as Spanish settlers and explorers migrated across the globe, particularly to Latin America. Today, the surname Capilla is most commonly found in Spain, Mexico, and other countries with significant Spanish influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Capilla

The surname Capilla is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in regions such as Castile and León, Galicia, and the Canary Islands, reflecting its Spanish origins. It is one of the most common surnames in these areas due to historical and cultural reasons. Outside of Spain, significant populations carrying this surname can be found in Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, where it was brought by Spanish settlers. In addition, the United States and some parts of Central America have a notable presence of Capilla-surnamed individuals as well, owing to immigration from Spain and Latin America. Overall, while its distribution is heavily concentrated in these regions, variations and derivatives of the name can be found globally due to Spanish colonial history and migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Capilla

The surname Capilla has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, and historical record-keeping practices. Some common variations of this name include Capela, Capill, Capille, Capila, and Capiola. These variations may be found among individuals of Spanish, Portuguese, or Italian descent, as the root word "capilla" is derived from Latin and means "chapel" in these languages. Another less common variation is Capello, which has an Italian origin meaning "hood" or "cap." It's important to note that spelling variations can arise due to factors such as transliteration, transcription errors, and changes in name-giving practices over time. Additionally, some families may intentionally modify the spelling of their surnames for personal reasons, further contributing to the variety of spellings associated with a single name.

Famous people with the last name Capilla

The Capilla surname is relatively uncommon among the globally famous individuals, but there are notable figures who bear it. In the realm of sports, Juan Carlos Capilla was a professional footballer from Mexico, playing for clubs such as Puebla and Cruz Azul in his native country. In the world of music, Juanes (Juan Esteban Aristizábal Vásquez), born Juan Manuel Capella, is a Colombian singer-songwriter who has achieved international success with hits like "A Dios le pido" and "La Camisa Negra." Furthermore, Carmen Capilla, a Spanish actress, gained recognition for her roles in television series such as "Amar en tiempos revueltos." Lastly, Ana Capilla is an Argentine architect who has garnered acclaim for her innovative designs, including the "Garage Museum of Contemporary Art" in Moscow. While not globally famous, these individuals represent the diversity and achievements within the Capilla family name across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Capilla

The surname Capilla originates from Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and Leon. Historically, it was often associated with families who worked as blacksmiths or metalworkers due to the Latin root "caput," meaning head, and the metaphorical use of the term for a hammer in such professions. The first documented reference of this name can be traced back to the 15th century in Spain, with notable figures like Hernando de Capilla, a conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico during the Spanish colonial period. As population migrations occurred, descendants of the Capilla family settled across various parts of Europe, America, and Oceania. Genealogical records reveal numerous branches and variants of the name, such as Capilla y Vargas, Capilla del Barco, and Capilla Mendoza. These branches share a common ancestry but have distinct lineages due to intermarriage with other families over generations. Modern descendants can trace their roots back to specific towns in Spain and explore the rich history and cultural heritage associated with this surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Capilla"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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