Last Name Davalos

The last name "Davalos" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the given name "Ávila," which is itself derived from the medieval name "Abel," meaning "breath" or "meadow." Over time, the name Ávila evolved into various forms, including "Davalos." The surname is primarily found in Spain and Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Davalos

The meaning and origin of the last name Davalos

The surname Davalos is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the medieval era. It is believed to have derived from the given name Álvar, which was a variation of the name Alvaro. The name Álvaro itself can be traced back to the Visigothic era, and it was commonly used among the Christian nobility in Spain during the Middle Ages. Over time, the surname Davalos came into existence as a patronymic, signifying "son of Álvaro." The name gained popularity and spread across different regions of Spain, with notable bearers of the surname being encountered in areas such as Andalusia, Castile, and Aragon. As with many surnames, variations in spelling and pronunciation may have occurred when families migrated or as a result of regional dialects and accents. Today, the surname Davalos is found not only in Spain but also across various Spanish-speaking countries, as families with this surname migrated to different parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Davalos

The last name Davalos is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. It is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina, due to migration and historical ties with Spain. In the United States, the surname is most prevalent in states with a significant Hispanic population, such as California, Texas, and Florida. The geographical distribution extends beyond the Americas, with notable communities of Davalos families in the Philippines and France. Over time, individuals with the last name Davalos have dispersed across the globe, resulting in a diverse distribution pattern. Genealogical research and migration patterns indicate that the name has spread beyond its Spanish origins, embracing different cultures and languages, making Davalos a truly global surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Davalos

The last name Davalos has various variations and spellings across different regions and languages. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is commonly spelled as Davalos. However, in some instances, it may have alternate spellings such as Dávalos with an accent mark on the letter "a" for greater emphasis. In English-speaking countries, the name might be spelled as Davalos, retaining the original Spanish pronunciation, or it could be Anglicized as Dávalos, devalos, or even Davolos. It is important to note that the variations and spellings depend on individual preferences, regional accents, and historical influence. Additionally, there may be other regional or cultural-specific variants that are not commonly known. Overall, the name Davalos demonstrates its adaptability and can be translated across different languages while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Famous people with the last name Davalos

One of the most well-known families in the entertainment industry with the last name Davalos is the talented Davalos family. Beginning with Richard Davalos, the American actor who gained recognition for his role in the iconic film "East of Eden." His daughter, Alexa Davalos, followed in his footsteps and has since starred in various films and television series, most notably her lead role in the TV show "The Man in the High Castle." Alexa's cousin, Marian Davalos, is also a prominent figure in the entertainment world, having worked as a model and actress. Furthermore, the Davalos family's influence extends to the world of fashion, as Marissa Davalos, another cousin, has made a name for herself as a renowned model. Their collective success showcases the immense talent and versatility of the Davalos family, solidifying their place among the most famous in the industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Davalos

The surname Davalos is of Spanish origin and has a rich genealogical history. It is believed to have originated from the Spanish region of Galicia, located in the northwest part of the Iberian Peninsula. The name Davalos is derived from the Galician word "Avalos," which means "valley" or "lowland." It is a locational surname commonly given to individuals who lived in or were associated with a specific valley or lowland area. The family name has spread throughout various Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the Philippines, among others. Over time, different branches of the Davalos family have emerged, each with its own unique lineage and history. Genealogical research of the Davalos family might reveal connections to prominent figures, historical events, and cultural heritage, providing a fascinating glimpse into the family's roots and ancestral heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Davalos"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends