Last Name Carabal

The surname Carabal is of Spanish origin, specifically from the regions of Galicia and Castile. It is a toponymic surname, derived from a place named Carballo or similar variations, which can be found in various locations throughout these regions in Spain. The name likely comes from the Celtic word "car-bal" meaning "rocky hill," reflecting the physical geography of some of these places. Over time, as people moved and settled in new areas, they often adopted the names of their place of origin as a means of identification. This is how surnames like Carabal became established.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carabal

The meaning and origin of the last name Carabal

The surname Carabal is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it has been traced back to medieval times. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "caraballo," meaning wild horse or steed, indicating that an early ancestor in the family lineage was a skilled equestrian or perhaps owned a large number of horses. Over time, the name evolved into its current form, Carabal, as surnames in Spain were often altered due to regional dialects and scribal errors during record-keeping. The distribution of the name is primarily found in regions such as Castile and León, suggesting an association with the history and culture of these areas. Today, individuals bearing the surname Carabal can be found throughout Spain and its diaspora, where they have contributed to the rich tapestry of their respective communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carabal

The surname Carabal is predominantly found in the Philippines, where it originates from the Visayan region, specifically the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. It is also present in other parts of the country but with significantly lower frequency. Beyond the Philippines, there are minor occurrences of this surname in countries that have a significant Filipino diaspora, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and some Middle Eastern nations. The distribution patterns suggest a strong familial and geographical connection to the Visayan islands within the Philippines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carabal

The surname Carabal has several variations and spellings. These include Caraball, Caraboll, Carabole, Caraboel, Carabol, and Caraboule. Each of these may originate from different regions or have been influenced by local dialects and phonetic interpretations over time. The surname Carabal is primarily found among the Spanish-speaking populations, but its variations are also encountered in Portuguese, French, and other Romance languages. It's important to note that variations in surnames can occur due to factors such as spelling differences across regions or historical periods, misinterpretations by record keepers, and changes over time based on local customs and language variations.

Famous people with the last name Carabal

Notable individuals with the last name Carabal include: 1. Adolfo Carabal Ferreira (Brazilian footballer): A former professional football player who played as a right winger for clubs such as Fluminense, São Paulo, Cruzeiro, and Coritiba. He was part of the Brazilian team that won the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. 2. José Carabal (Spanish musician): A Spanish bassoonist, conductor, and professor. He has been a member of the Orchestra of the Royal Spanish Academy of Fine Arts Saint Ferdinand since 1960 and was appointed principal bassoon in 1974. 3. Juan Carlos Carabal (Argentine footballer): A retired Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as River Plate, Independiente, and Talleres de Cordoba. He is the father of current footballer Facundo Carabal. 4. Facundo Carabal (Argentine footballer): A current Argentine professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Club Guarani in Paraguay. He has also represented Argentina at youth level. These individuals demonstrate the diverse careers and achievements that can be associated with the surname Carabal across various fields, particularly within sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Carabal

The surname Carabal originates from the Basque region, specifically northern Spain and southern France. One of the earliest known records of the family is Juan de Carabal, who was born around 1520 in the Basque province of Guipúzcoa. The name Carabal can be traced back to the pre-Christian Basque era, derived from the word "Karabai", which means "black stone" or "rocky place". Over time, the family spread across the Basque Country and beyond due to migrations, marriages, and religious conflicts. Notable branches of the Carabal family include those in Navarre, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa provinces. The Carabals are also found in significant numbers in Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and other parts of the Americas due to immigration waves during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the Carabal family continues to maintain strong roots in Basque culture and traditions while also contributing to various societies around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carabal"
• 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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