NomOrigine Background

Last Name Escalante

What is the origin of the last name Escalante?

The surname Escalante is of Spanish origin. It derives from the word "escala," which means ladder or staircase in English. This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a steep incline or stairs, or to those who were considered as having climbed up through the social ranks quickly, symbolized by a ladder. The name Escalante is common in Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Mexico, as well as regions with significant Spanish influence.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Escalante

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Escalante

The meaning and origin of the last name Escalante

The surname Escalante is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "scala" which means "ladder." This name was often given to individuals who lived near or by a staircase or steep ascent, indicating that their family's home might have been situated on such a terrain. The use of topographical names like Escalante was common in medieval Spain and its colonies due to the need for easy identification in rural areas and small communities.

The surname Escalante is widely distributed across the Spanish-speaking world, with high concentrations in Mexico, Spain, and other Latin American countries. Notable individuals bearing this name include Juan Ignacio Molina Escalante, a Chilean bishop and naturalist; Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada Escalante, a Cuban lawyer and independence leader; and Eduardo Escalante, a Mexican politician. The name Escalante represents a rich historical legacy and continues to be carried by countless families in the Spanish-speaking world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Escalante

The surname Escalante is predominantly distributed across Spanish-speaking regions due to its origins in Spain and Latin America. In Europe, it is most prevalent in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and Aragon, where the name has been passed down through generations. In America, the name can be found throughout Central and South America, with significant concentrations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. The Escalante surname is also present in the United States, primarily in states with large Hispanic populations, such as California, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico, reflecting the migration of Spanish-speaking people to these areas. Additionally, there are communities of people with the Escalante surname in other countries where Spanish is spoken as a second language, including Puerto Rico and Cuba. The name's dispersal reflects both historical colonial expansion and modern-day migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Escalante

The surname Escalante has various spelling and pronunciation variants across different regions, cultures, and languages. Some of these variations include:

* Escanalan, Escanalante, Escanal, Escanlan (Spanish dialects)
* Escalanti, Escalantee, Escalaunte, Escalanty (Italian and Portuguese adaptations)
* Esquilante, Eskeelante (French alteration)
* Escalanto, Eskalanto (German and Dutch modifications)
* Escalans, Scalans, Scalan (English-language phonetic adaptations)
* Escalant, Scallant, Skellant, Scllant (Anglicized versions)

These variations may stem from regional pronunciation differences, changes in the transcription of names over time, or assimilation to dominant languages in certain areas. The surname Escalante is most commonly associated with Spanish-speaking populations but has been adopted and adapted by various other cultural groups throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Escalante

Notable individuals bearing the surname Escalante include Jaime Escalante (1930-2010), a Bolivian-American educator who gained international recognition for his role in inspiring and preparing students at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles to pass Advanced Placement calculus exams. His story was featured in the 1988 film "Stand and Deliver." Another prominent figure is Salvador Escalante (1920-1976), a Mexican painter known for his abstract expressionist works, which often incorporated elements of pre-Columbian art. Lastly, Héctor Escalante (born 1954), a Guatemalan anthropologist and archaeologist, has made significant contributions to the study of Maya civilization, particularly in the areas of hieroglyphic decipherment and site excavation.

Genealogical research on the last name Escalante

The surname Escalante, derived from the Spanish word "escala" meaning staircase or slope, is predominantly found in Spain and Hispanic countries, particularly Mexico, with high concentrations also in Peru, Chile, Argentina, and the United States. Origins of the name can be traced back to the medieval period in Castile, Spain, where it was first recorded in the 9th century as a place-name referring to a geographical feature resembling a staircase or slope. The earliest known bearer of the surname Escalante is Rodrigo Escalante, who lived in the 12th century in Castile, Spain. Over time, many notable individuals bearing this name have emerged, such as Juan de Oñate y Escalante, a Spanish conquistador and colonial governor, and Felipe Santiago Escalante, a Mexican revolutionary leader. Today, it remains a common surname among the Hispanic population around the world, reflecting its rich history and diverse cultural heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Escabusa (Last name)

surnames > escabusa

The last name Escabusa is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "escoba," which means broom in Spanish. The name likely originated as a nickname or occupational surname fo...

Escafit (Last name)

surnames > escafit

The last name "Escafit" is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "escapar," meaning "to escape" or "to flee." It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was...

Escalawag (Last name)

surnames > escalawag

The last name "Escalawag" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "escalawag" which means a scallywag or rogue. The name likely originated as a nickname for someo...

Escalderon (Last name)

surnames > escalderon

The last name "Escalderon" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "escalera," which means "staircase" or "ladder" in Spanish. The surname likely originated from a geogra...

Escale-thou (Last name)

surnames > escale-thou

The last name "Escale Thou" does not have a clear origin or meaning in English. It is possible that the name is of French or Spanish origin, as "Escale" and "Thou" are words in bot...

Escamez (Last name)

surnames > escamez

The surname Escamez is a Spanish patronymic surname derived from the given name "Escama," which means 'scale' or 'shield' in English. It is believed to have been originally used as...

Escamillia (Last name)

surnames > escamillia

The surname Escamillia is of Spanish origin and is derived from the place name Escamilla, which is a town in the province of Guadalajara, Spain. It is a locational surname indicati...

Escande (Last name)

surnames > escande

The surname "Escande" is of French origin. It derives from a nickname for someone with a long nose, which comes from the Old French word "esqueande", meaning 'beak' or 'long narrow...

Escanlar-peñol (Last name)

surnames > escanlar-penol

The last name Escanlar Penol appears to be of Spanish origin. The surname Escanlar is likely derived from the Spanish word "escanlar," which refers to a type of tree or plant. The ...

Escapade (Last name)

surnames > escapade

The surname Escapade is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word "escapade," meaning an adventure or escapade. It likely originated as a nickname for someone who wa...

Escare (Last name)

surnames > escare

The last name "Escare" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "escaro," which means "bare" or "naked." This last name likely originated as a nickname for someone...

Escariz (Last name)

surnames > escariz

The last name Escariz is of Spanish origin. It is likely derived from the place name Escariz, which is a village in the province of Ourense, in the Galicia region of Spain. People ...

Escarola (Last name)

surnames > escarola

The surname Escarola is of Italian origin and is derived from the word "scarola," which means chicory or endive in Italian. It is likely that this surname was originally a nickname...

Escarpa (Last name)

surnames > escarpa

The surname "Escarpa" is of Spanish origin. It is a topographic name for someone who lived on a steep slope or scarp. The name comes from the word "escarpa," which means a low emba...

Escarriola (Last name)

surnames > escarriola

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on the origin of the last name "escarriola." It may be a rare or uncommon name with limited historical records available.