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Last Name Espallardo

What is the origin of the last name Espallardo?

The surname Espallardo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a variety of place names that were originally named after trees or plants. In this case, it likely comes from the word "espaldera," which means "linden tree" in Spanish. This surname would have been common in regions where there was a prominent linden tree, and over time, it became a family name passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Espallardo

The meaning and origin of the last name Espallardo

The surname Espallardo is of Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name "esparrero" or "espaller" which means "thorn picker" or "one who removes thorns." It may also be related to the regional name for a person from Espalar, a location in the Aragon region of Spain. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms such as Espallardo, Espaller, and Esparza. The name is relatively uncommon but can be found throughout Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and its former colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Espallardo

The surname Espallardo is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias, where it represents a significant portion of the population. In Galicia, it's more common in provinces like A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra. In Asturias, it is most frequent in Oviedo and Avilés. There are also concentrations in other Spanish regions such as Madrid, Catalonia, and Valencia due to migration and urbanization over the centuries. Additionally, there are minor occurrences of the surname Espallardo in countries with large Spanish-speaking populations like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Equatorial Guinea, mainly due to emigration from Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Espallardo

The surname Espallardo has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, historical transcription errors, and immigration processes. Some common variations include Espallerdo, Espalhardo, Espalhordo, Espalherdo, and Espanholo. These variations may be found in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Spain and South America, where the name is thought to have originated from a occupational surname meaning "egg seller" or "seller of eggs." In Portuguese-speaking areas, such as Portugal and Brazil, the surname Espalhardo is also used. These variations highlight the diverse cultural influences and historical movements that have shaped the spelling and pronunciation of this surname over time.

Famous people with the last name Espallardo

The Espallardo family is known for its contributions to various fields. One of the most notable members is Jesús Espallardo (b. 1947), a Spanish artist who is renowned for his abstract expressionist paintings. His works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

In the world of sports, Juan Espallardo (b. 1980) is a well-known figure. He is a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several prominent clubs such as Valencia and Athletic Bilbao. He represented the Spanish national team at the Under-21 level and was part of their squad that won the UEFA European Championship in 2007.

In the realm of academia, Lourdes Espallardo (b. 1960) is a respected name. She is a distinguished professor of sociology at California State University, Northridge. Her research focuses on race, class, and gender issues, particularly in relation to immigration and Latina/o communities.

These are some of the notable individuals sharing the last name Espallardo, each contributing significantly to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Espallardo

The surname Espallardo, originating from Spain, is primarily found in the regions of Aragon and Castile-La Mancha. Records indicate that it derived from the personal name Espalhari or Espallaraz, which was a diminutive form of Esplari or Espalharaz, meaning "one who distributes or scatters seeds."

The first known bearer of the surname was Pedro Espalheriz, documented in Aragon during the 13th century. Over time, variations such as Espallerizo and Espallardo emerged due to spelling inconsistencies and regional dialects.

Immigrants with the surname Espallardo arrived in America starting in the 16th century. In particular, Pedro de Espalheriz y Ponce de Leon was a conquistador who joined Juan Ponce de León's expedition to Florida in 1521. The name later spread throughout Latin America due to colonial migrations from Spain.

The Espallardo family has produced several notable figures over the centuries, including Francisco Espalhari y Cisneros (1684-1743), a Spanish bishop; and the contemporary Mexican artist Pablo Esparza Espallardo. Today, the surname is most prevalent in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 28 July 2025

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