Last Name Carabali

The surname Carabali is primarily found among Spanish and Portuguese populations, particularly in Spain's Asturias region and Portugal. It is thought to have an occupational or geographical origin. In some cases, it may be derived from the medieval Latin term "carabalis," which referred to a type of soldier or officer in the Roman army responsible for the care of horses and pack animals. Over time, this term evolved into various regional forms, such as "carabalho" in Portuguese and "carballo" in Spanish. In other cases, it could be related to a place name. There is a village named Carbalino in the province of Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain, which might have contributed to the surname's spread. However, further research would be necessary to confirm this specific connection.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carabali

The meaning and origin of the last name Carabali

The surname Carabali is primarily associated with the Philippines, particularly among the Visayan ethnic groups. Its origins are rooted in the Spanish colonial era when many Filipinos adopted European-sounding surnames as part of the encomienda system implemented by the Spanish conquerors. The name "Carabali" could potentially have been derived from various Spanish words such as "carabela" (small ship), "carrabal" (fortified village), or "carraballo" (wild boar). However, these connections remain speculative and require further research to confirm. It is important to note that the exact origin of the surname Carabali may never be definitively known due to the absence of comprehensive historical records during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Nonetheless, the name continues to be a valuable part of Filipino identity and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carabali

The last name Carabali is predominantly distributed across the Philippines, particularly in the regions of Northern Mindanao and Davao Region. A significant number of Carabalis can also be found in Cebu and Negros Islands in Central Visayas, and in Luzon, especially in the provinces of Pangasinan, Benguet, and Ifugao. This distribution suggests that the name may have originated from one of these areas. However, due to historical migration patterns within the Philippines and overseas Filipino workers, Carabalis can be found in various parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carabali

The surname Carabali may have various spelling and pronunciation variations, reflecting regional dialects, historical records, or personal preferences. Some of these include:

* Caraballi
* Carabally
* Carabaly
* Caravalle
* Carabaliy
* Carabalio
* Caravalho (in Portuguese-speaking regions)
* Karabali (in some Eastern European transcriptions)

The name originates from the Basque region of Spain and its variations may have evolved over time as families migrated across Europe, America, or other parts of the world. It is important to note that while many surnames have specific geographical origins, the historical record-keeping in many regions was often inconsistent, making it difficult to determine exact derivations or spelling variations for some names. The name Carabali remains popular among descendants from Basque families who emigrated over the centuries.

Famous people with the last name Carabali

The Carabali surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields and regions. One of the most recognized is Angelica Carabali, an American actress and model who gained prominence for her role as Lt. Tasha Williams in the television series "Chicago Fire" and its spin-offs. In the literary world, there is Eduardo Carabali, a Spanish writer known for his historical novels such as "The Last Crusade" and "The Alchemist's Secret." Another significant figure is Francisco Carabali, a Filipino hero who played a crucial role in the Philippines' struggle for independence during the late 19th century. Lastly, Juan Carabali, born in Cuba, was a professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants, contributing to their World Series championships in 1946 and 1954 respectively. These individuals have made substantial contributions to their respective fields, showcasing the diverse accomplishments of people sharing the Carabali surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Carabali

The Carabali surname originates from Spain, specifically in the region of Galicia. It is a patrilinear name derived from the Arabic "karaballi," meaning "blacksmith." This occupation-based surname was common among craftsmen in medieval Spain during the Moorish occupation. The Carabali family expanded across Europe as part of the diaspora following the Spanish Reconquista, and subsequently immigrated to various parts of the world, including South America, North America, and the Philippines, particularly during the colonization periods. In the New World, the Carabalis became closely associated with the mining industry due to their historical origins as blacksmiths, contributing significantly to the growth and development of these regions. Today, the Carabali name remains widespread, reflecting its rich history and diverse heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carabali"
• 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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