Last Name Carvajal

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carvajal

The meaning and origin of the last name Carvajal

The surname Carvajal is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval toponymic name "Carvajal," which comes from the Old Castilian word "carballo" meaning "oak grove." This surname likely originated in one of the numerous locations named Carballo or Carvajal that can be found throughout Spain. During the Middle Ages, Spanish society underwent a gradual transformation from an agrarian system to a feudal system, with landholdings and social status becoming more defined and hereditary. As part of this transition, surnames began to emerge as a way to distinguish individuals within communities, leading to the widespread adoption of surnames in Spain during the late Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carvajal

The surname Carvajal has significant distribution in various regions, primarily concentrated in Spanish-speaking countries due to its Hispanic origins. It is most prevalent in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Extremadura. In the American continent, it is found extensively in Central and South America, especially in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile. The name also has a presence in Puerto Rico and other Spanish-speaking islands in the Caribbean. Carvajal can also be found among the Hispanic communities in the United States, particularly in states with large Latin American populations like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, there are smaller pockets of Carvajals in countries with historical ties to Spain, such as the Philippines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carvajal

The surname Carvajal has several variations and spellings due to historical transcriptions and regional dialects. Some common variations include Carbajal, Carballo, Carbajal de Fonseca, Carvahal, Carvalho, Karvaja, Kervaja, and Cavajal. These variations may be found in different countries, reflecting the surname's origins in Spain, Portugal, and other parts of the world where Spanish or Portuguese speakers have immigrated. Additionally, over time, some individuals may alter their surnames due to assimilation or personal preference, leading to additional variations of the name Carvajal.

Famous people with the last name Carvajal

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Carvajal are:

1. Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada (c. 1490-1579): A Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of present-day Colombia, founding Bogotá in 1538 and establishing the New Kingdom of Granada.

2. Diego de Carvajal y Velasco (1536-1590): A Spanish conquistador known for his involvement in the conquest of Mexico under Hernán Cortés, and later in Peru under Francisco Pizarro. He served as mayor of the city of Mexico from 1564 to 1572.

3. Juan de Carvajal y Loaysa (1480-1540): A Spanish cardinal who was Inquisitor General of Spain between 1524 and 1539, during the reign of Charles I of Spain. He played a significant role in the Spanish Inquisition.

4. Carlos Carvajal (1908-2007): A Cuban-born Argentine author who wrote numerous books on literature, film, and art, including "The Art of Film Music" and "Anatomy of Orson Welles".

5. Francisco de Carvajal y Vargas (1767-1825): A Spanish naval officer who participated in several conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars and served as Captain General of Cuba from 1809 to 1814.

Genealogical research on the last name Carvajal

The surname Carvajal originates from medieval Spain, specifically Andalusia, where it is believed to have been first used by Moorish converts to Christianity during the Christian Reconquista. The name is derived from the Arabic al-Kharrajal or "the rocky place."

The Carvajals were a notable family in medieval Spain and played significant roles in the court of the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon, during their reign. They were also involved in the Spanish conquest of America and settled in various regions such as Peru, Mexico, and Colombia.

Throughout history, members of the Carvajal family held important positions in the church and politics, including Francisco Carvajal y Mendoza, the viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) from 1560 to 1580, and Gaspar de Carvajal, a prominent Jesuit missionary who explored the Amazon Basin.

The Carvajal family is also associated with various branches and notable members in other countries such as the Philippines, Argentina, and Chile. Today, the surname Carvajal can be found worldwide, especially among descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carvajal"
• 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 : 23 July 2025