Last Name Davila

The surname Davila has origins that can be traced back to various regions, but it is most commonly associated with Spanish and Portuguese ancestry. The name is derived from the medieval given name "Dáвид" or "Dávid," which is Hebrew for "beloved" or "friend of God." This name was popularized by King David in the Old Testament. In Spain, the surname Davila is believed to have originated in the Kingdom of León, where it is a variant of the medieval given name "Dávila," which emerged during the Middle Ages and became a patronymic surname as a result of the addition of the diminutive suffix "-illo" or "-illa." Over time, this evolved into the modern form we see today. In Portugal, the surname Davila is also present and has similar origins, although it may have arrived later due to immigration from Spain. The name can also be found in other countries as a result of migration waves from Iberia over the centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Davila

The meaning and origin of the last name Davila

The surname Davila is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name "Dávila," which itself has Latin roots. It is thought to be a variant of the name David, meaning "beloved" or "favorite." The name Davila may have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was considered beloved or favorite. The surname Davila became common in Spain and later spread to other Spanish-speaking regions due to the country's colonial expansion. Notable figures with the surname Davila include Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, and Puerto Rican baseball player Bernie Williams.

Geographical distribution of the last name Davila

The surname Davila has a widespread presence across various regions, primarily in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origins in the Iberian Peninsula. In Latin America, it is particularly common in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and many Central American nations such as Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Within Mexico, the state of Michoacán is known for having one of the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Davila name. In Europe, the surname can be found in Spain, Portugal, and their former colonies, particularly among immigrants from these countries. Additionally, the Davila name can also be found in other parts of the world where Spanish-speaking migrants have settled, such as the United States, Cuba, and the Philippines.

Variants and spellings of the last name Davila

The surname Davila has several variations and spellings across different regions and historical periods. Some common variants include de la Davila, Davila y Aguilar, Davile, Davilas, and Davillier. In some cases, the name may be spelled as D'Avila or De Avila, reflecting its Portuguese origins. The name Daviel is also a variant, although it is more commonly used as a given name in French-speaking regions. In Spanish-speaking countries, the name Davila is most common but can also appear as Davillja, Davilla, or Davilha due to spelling errors or regional dialects. It's important to note that surnames like these have evolved over time and may be misspelled in historical records.

Famous people with the last name Davila

The Davila family has produced notable figures in various fields across several countries. In music, Pete Davila is a well-known American record producer who has worked with artists like Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg. On the other hand, Mexican singer-songwriter Alejandro Fernández, often referred to as El Potrillo, shares the Davila surname through his maternal grandfather, Enrique Davila. In the realm of sports, Carlos Davila is a professional boxer from Puerto Rico who has held multiple world titles in different weight classes. Additionally, Juan Pablo Di Pace, an Argentine-American actor known for his role as John Ross Ewing III on the television series Dallas, also bears the surname Davila. Lastly, in the world of politics, Hilda L. Solis, a former United States Cabinet Secretary and Congresswoman, was born with the last name Davila before marrying her husband, Richard Solis.

Genealogical research on the last name Davila

The surname Davila is of Spanish origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Dávila," which comes from the Visigothic name "Theudemar" or "Tudemaro." It was brought to Europe during the Moorish invasions in the Middle Ages and later became popular in Spain. The Davilas are believed to be descendants of the 10th-century count Toto Dávila, who fought against the Moors in the Battle of Simancas. Over time, various branches of the Davila family emerged across Spain, some of which migrated to other countries, such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. Notable figures with the surname include the 16th-century Spanish conquistador Diego Davila and the Mexican politician Carlos Davila. The Davila clan has been recognized for their contributions in various fields throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Davila"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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