Last Name Cruellas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cruellas

The meaning and origin of the last name Cruellas

The surname Cruellas is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "crudelis," which means cruel or harsh. It is believed that the name was initially used to describe someone with a stern or uncompromising character. Over time, it became a hereditary surname and was adopted by various families in Spain. The spelling variations of this surname include Cruella, Cruellas, Cruells, and Cruelas, reflecting the phonetic changes that can occur during the transmission of names over generations and geographical regions. Notably, the name Cruella gained global recognition through the character Cruella de Vil from Disney's 101 Dalmatians, although it is unclear whether the fictional character's surname was directly inspired by the Spanish surname or if it was a creative adaptation for the story.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cruellas

The surname Cruellas is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, with the highest concentrations in these countries, particularly in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Castile-Leon in Spain, and the Azores archipelago in Portugal. It's a variant of the name Cruz (Cross), which is common in both nations due to their Catholic heritage. Outside of Iberia, there are also smaller populations with this surname, primarily in countries with significant Spanish or Portuguese immigrants, such as Argentina, Cuba, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cruellas

The surname Cruellas has various spellings and minor variations across different regions and languages. Some of the most common alternative spellings include: Cruz, Cruces, Cruzás, Crucillas, Crucelas, and Crucella. These variations may arise due to phonetic differences, cultural influences, or simply typing errors over time. In Spanish-speaking countries, the surname is more commonly spelled as Cruz or Cruces, while the other variations are less frequently encountered but still valid. It's essential to understand that these minor variations do not significantly change the original meaning of the last name, which originates from the Latin term "crux," meaning cross.

Famous people with the last name Cruellas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cruella (pronounced as "Cruz" or "Cruells") are:

1. Stella Cruz - A British actress known for her roles in various television series, including Casualty and Holby City. She has also appeared in films such as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Gangs of New York.

2. Carlos Cruchaga - A Peruvian-American geneticist who is a professor at the University of Washington. He is renowned for his research on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.

3. Ana Cruells - A Spanish actress and model who gained fame for her roles in various television series, including Gran Reserva, El internado, and Los protegidos. She has also appeared in films such as 7 días en el paraíso and La isla mínima.

4. Alex Cruise - An English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Port Vale FC. He started his career with Stoke City, progressing through their youth system before being released at the age of 17.

5. Antonio Cruells - A Spanish former professional footballer who played as a defender. He spent most of his career playing for Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid in La Liga. He also represented the Spain national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Cruellas

The surname Cruellas is believed to have Spanish origins, with possible roots traced back to medieval Castile, a region in Spain known for its feudal system and adoption of surnames during the Late Middle Ages. Variations such as Cruzada, Cruzar, and Crucero suggest potential roots from the word "cruz," meaning cross in Spanish, implying that early bearers of this name may have been associated with occupations involving a cross or those who lived near a crossroads. The surname Cruellas could be a derivative of Cruces, which means crosses in Spanish, and might indicate a change in the pronunciation over time. However, further genealogical research is necessary to confirm specific lineages and origins of the Cruellas family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cruellas"
• 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 : 24 July 2025