Last Name Casalderrey

The surname "Casalderrey" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically one that refers to a castle or fortified house on a hill or clearing (in Latin, "castrum" or "castrum in prati", respectively). The suffix "-derrey" is believed to be an addition for the purpose of distinguishing different places with similar names. This naming pattern was common during the Middle Ages and the Modern Age in Spain, where surnames were adopted based on geographical indications or occupations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Casalderrey

The meaning and origin of the last name Casalderrey

The surname Casalderrey is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern regions of Spain such as Castile and León. It is derived from the word "casal" which means 'cottage' or 'small house', and "derrey" which might have several meanings but often indicates something like 'on a high ridge' or 'above'. Therefore, Casalderrey can be roughly translated as 'Cottage above the ridge' or 'House on the high ridge'. The surname first appeared during the late Middle Ages when Spain underwent significant social and political changes, including the transition from a feudal system to one based more heavily on inheritance. As with many Spanish surnames, Casalderrey is patrilinear, passed down from father to son.

Geographical distribution of the last name Casalderrey

The Casalderrey surname is predominantly distributed in Spain, particularly in regions such as Asturias, Cantabria, and Castilla y León, where it originates. This surname is commonly found in the northwestern part of the country, suggesting an historical connection to these areas. Outside of Spain, Casalderrey families are also found in countries with significant Spanish immigration, such as Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. The distribution of this surname reflects the historic migration patterns of Spanish populations over time, showcasing both the rich history and global reach of Spanish culture.

Variants and spellings of the last name Casalderrey

The surname Casalderrey has several variants and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions, regional dialects, and family lineages over time. Some common variations include: Casalderrey, Casalderi, Casaldery, Casaldari, Casaldary, Casalderia, Casalderyia, Casaldaire, Casaldaray, Casalderai, among others. These variations can be found across Spain and its diaspora, with some families preserving the original spelling while others have adopted slight modifications over generations. It is important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different ancestry or lineages but rather reflect changes in the way names were recorded historically and regionally.

Famous people with the last name Casalderrey

One of the most notable individuals with the surname Casalderrey is Juan Carlos Casalderrey (born 1964), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper throughout his career, primarily for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He is considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the history of Spanish football and won multiple La Liga titles and UEFA Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.

Another well-known figure is María Casalderrey (born 1985), a Chilean actress who gained recognition for her role as "La Chilena" in the popular Chilean comedy series "Pobre Gallo." Her performance earned her two Altazor Awards, the Chilean equivalent of the Emmy Awards.

Finally, there's José Antonio Casalderrey (1935-2014), a Spanish journalist and politician who served as Minister of Information and Tourism during the Franco regime from 1973 to 1976. He later became editor-in-chief of El Mundo, one of Spain's leading newspapers.

Genealogical research on the last name Casalderrey

The surname Casalderrey is primarily found in Spain and is believed to have originated from the region of Castile-Leon, specifically the province of León. It is a composite name formed by combining two elements: "Casa" meaning house or estate, and "Derrey" or "De Derrio," which refers to a place or locality in León. The earliest known record of the Casalderrey family dates back to the 13th century, with one Juan Pérez de Casalderrey appearing in the archives of the Cathedral of León during this period. Over subsequent centuries, members of the Casalderrey family were involved in various professions such as agriculture, craftsmanship, and public service. Notable individuals include Francisco Casalderrey, a Spanish military officer who fought in the Peninsular War against Napoleon, and María Casalderrey y Fernández de la Torre, a poetess and writer active in the 19th century. The family's lineage is well-documented in various archives throughout Spain, providing a rich source of information for genealogical research on the Casalderrey family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Casalderrey"
• 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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