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Last Name Celis

What is the origin of the last name Celis?

The surname Celis has various origins, but it is most commonly associated with the regions of Spain and the Netherlands. In Spain, the name Celis is a variant of the more common surnames Celada, Cela or Celaya. These names are derived from the medieval occupational name for a "weaver" or "maker of nets," which comes from the Latin word "celare," meaning to hide or cover. The suffix "-is" is commonly found in Spanish surnames and indicates belonging or origin. In the Netherlands, Celis can also be an occupational name for a "bellfounder" or "maker of bells." This comes from the Old Dutch word "selis," which means bell. It may have been originally a nickname given to someone who was always ringing bells or lived near a bell tower. The name is also found in other parts of Europe, including France and Belgium, but its origin remains unclear in these cases. As with many surnames, it's important to note that the spelling and meaning can vary based on historical records, migration patterns, and individual family traditions.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Celis

The meaning and origin of the last name Celis

The surname Celis is of Spanish and Latin American origin, derived from the given name Célico or Celestino, which mean "heavenly" or "celestial". These names were popular among early Christians due to their religious connotations. Over time, these personal names evolved into surnames, providing a means of identification within growing communities and societies. In Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Mexico, the surname Celis is relatively common, reflecting its historical roots in these regions. Additionally, it may be found among individuals with Latin American heritage, particularly those with ancestry from Spain or Mexico.

Geographical distribution of the last name Celis

The surname Celis is predominantly distributed across Spain and Latin America, particularly in Mexico, where it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames. In Spain, Galicia and Cantabria are the regions with the highest concentration of individuals bearing the name Celis. Additionally, significant numbers of people with the surname Celis can be found in the Philippines, a country that was colonized by Spain for over 300 years. The migration patterns from Spain to the Americas during the colonial period likely account for the dispersal of the Celis surname across Central and South America. In the United States, states with large Hispanic populations such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York have a higher prevalence of individuals with the last name Celis. The name Celis is also found in smaller numbers in France and Belgium due to historical migration from Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Celis

The surname Celis has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

1. Celis: This is the most standardized spelling, found primarily in English-speaking countries.
2. Célis: In French, this name is spelled with an accent over the "e".
3. Célys: A less common variation of the French spelling.
4. Celís: The Spanish version of the name uses an acute accent over the "e" and a cedilla under the "c."
5. Seelis: This variation is more commonly found in German-speaking regions, with an "s" replacing the "c" in the original spelling.
6. Sielis or Zielis: Variants of the name that have emerged from Eastern Europe, particularly in Polish and Lithuanian communities.
7. Celiss or Cellis: These are less common variations found mainly among migrant communities.
8. C'elis: A phonetic spelling of the name often used when transcribing from spoken language into written form.
9. Kellis: A possible variation that may have originated from a different root word, although it is not directly related to Celis.
10. Celisse or Celisette: These are feminine variations of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Celis

The Celis family has produced notable individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned is Charlie Papazian Celis, a pioneer in the American craft brewing movement. He founded Celis Brewery in Texas in 1980, being one of the first microbreweries in the United States. His unique and high-quality beers helped establish the craft beer culture in America. Another notable Celis is Carlos Alberto Celis Zárate, a Mexican former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. Known as "El Conejo" (The Rabbit), he was part of Mexico's 1986 World Cup-winning team and represented his country in three FIFA World Cups. Additionally, Maria Celis-Carreón is a distinguished Mexican economist, who served as the Secretary of Finance and Public Credit from 2012 to 2015 under President Enrique Peña Nieto's administration. She was also the first woman to hold this position in Mexico. These individuals are significant representatives of the Celis family's contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Celis

The surname Celis originates from the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France, where it is one of the oldest and most widespread family names. In particular, the name Celis is found to be prominent in the province of Guipúzcoa (Gipuzkoa) in the Spanish Basque Country. The name is thought to have various possible origins, including from the occupational term "celer" meaning "potter," or possibly derived from a place name.

The Celis family can be traced back to the 13th century, with records of the family members in Guipúzcoa during this time. Throughout history, many notable figures bearing the surname Celis have emerged in various fields such as politics, religion, and commerce. For example, Juan de Celis was a Basque priest who played an important role in the Council of Trent (1545-1563), while Gonzalo Celis y Fernández de Córdoba was a prominent Spanish military commander during the 17th century.

Today, the Celis family is dispersed worldwide, with significant populations found in Spain, Mexico, the United States, and other countries with Basque immigrants. Genealogical research on the name Celis continues to uncover new connections and insights into the history of this ancient family name.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 10 June 2025

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