Last Name Cervilla

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cervilla

The meaning and origin of the last name Cervilla

The surname Cervilla is derived from the Spanish word "ciervo," which means deer in English. This name was often given to individuals who lived near an area where deer were abundant or to those who possessed certain traits associated with deer, such as agility or swiftness. The surname Cervilla first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages and is a variation of other Spanish surnames like Cervantes, Cervi, and Cervo, all derived from the same root word "ciervo." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to regional dialects and scribal errors in official records. Today, the surname Cervilla is most commonly found in Spain but has also spread to other parts of the world through migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cervilla

The surname Cervilla is primarily concentrated in Spain, particularly in regions such as Castile and León, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Valencia, suggesting its origins from these areas. Historically, the name may have been associated with towns or villages where it was common. In addition to Spain, there are also smaller populations of individuals with the surname Cervilla in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration, particularly in Latin America. Outside of these regions, the occurrence of the name is relatively rare, although it can be found among Spanish-speaking immigrants and their descendants in various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cervilla

The surname Cervilla has various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common spelling variations include Cerulla, Cervela, Cirvella, Cirvalla, Cervelle, Cirviola, Seruera, and Cavilla. These variations may have originated from attempts to phonetically represent the name in different languages or dialects, or from errors in document transcription. Regardless of spelling, they all stem from the original Italian surname derived from the occupation of a maker of cervelli (brains) in sausages.

Famous people with the last name Cervilla

The Cervilla surname is relatively uncommon, and as such, there are limited globally recognized individuals bearing this last name. One notable figure is Carlos Alberto Cervilla, a renowned Mexican physicist who specializes in the study of condensed matter physics and has published numerous academic papers on the subject. Another individual is Javier Cervilla, a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs in Spain's lower leagues during his career. Lastly, there is Ana Maria Cervilla, an influential Colombian politician who served as Minister of Labor and Social Protection under President Juan Manuel Santos from 2014 to 2015. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the potential for success among individuals with the last name Cervilla.

Genealogical research on the last name Cervilla

The surname Cervilla is believed to have originated from the medieval Latin word "cervus," meaning stag or deer. This surname was likely given as an occupational name for a hunter, dealer, or keeper of deer, or it could have been a nickname for someone with a strong resemblance to a stag.

The earliest recorded instances of the Cervilla family date back to medieval Spain in the 14th century. The Cervillas were prominent landowners and nobles in various regions including Castile, Aragon, and Valencia during the Middle Ages. Notable members of the Cervilla family include Francisco de Cervilla, a Spanish conquistador who accompanied Hernán Cortés in his conquest of Mexico, and Juan Cervilla de Calzada, a colonizer of New Spain.

Throughout history, the Cervilla family has produced many notable figures in fields such as politics, military, and arts. The surname can also be found in other countries with significant Spanish influence, such as South America and the Philippines, due to migrations during colonial times.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cervilla"
• 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 : 28 July 2025