Last Name Estarellas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Estarellas

The meaning and origin of the last name Estarellas

The surname Estarellas originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain. It is derived from the Spanish word "estrella," which means star in English. This surname is likely to have been used to identify someone who was born under a certain star or astrological sign, or perhaps it was given to someone admired for their outstanding qualities, reminiscent of a shining star. Over time, this name has been passed down through generations and can now be found among the Spanish-speaking population around the world. The name Estarellas is unique and carries with it an air of mystery and grandeur, evoking images of distant stars twinkling in the night sky.

Geographical distribution of the last name Estarellas

The last name Estarellas is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Catalonia. It originates from the medieval Catalan term "estrella," which means star in English. A significant concentration of bearers of this surname can be found in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona, which are known for their strong Catalan identity. Smaller numbers of individuals with the Estarellas surname reside in other parts of Spain as well. Additionally, there may be families with this last name in Latin American countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, due to historical migration patterns from Spain. Overall, the distribution of the Estarellas surname is primarily centered in Catalonia, Spain, but also extends to various regions around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Estarellas

The surname Estarellas has various spelling variations, reflecting its origins and the phonetic differences in pronunciation across regions. Some common variants include:

1. Estarella - This is the most straightforward variant, with each 's' representing the plural form of the word 'estrella,' which means star in Spanish.
2. Estarelle - An alternative spelling that adds an additional 'e' at the end.
3. Estarallas - A slight modification to the original where the final 's' is doubled.
4. Estaralas - Similar to the previous variant, but with a single 's.'
5. Esteirellas - This is a less common variation that could result from phonetic differences in pronunciation or regional dialects.
6. Estareylla - A rare spelling where the final 's' is replaced by a 'y.'
7. Estaraya - Another uncommon variant with the same substitution, replacing the final 's' with a 'y.'
8. EstaRELLas - In this variant, the capital R emphasizes the pronunciation of the letter as 'er' instead of 'are.'
9. Estarelles - This French-influenced spelling replaces the final 's' with an 'e' in the plural form.

Famous people with the last name Estarellas

The Estarellas surname is relatively uncommon but has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned individuals bearing this name is Juan Antonio Estarellas, a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Real Sociedad and Mallorca during his professional career. In the world of entertainment, Maria Isabel Estarellas, also known as "Maribel", is a popular Mexican actress, best recognized for her roles in telenovelas such as "Rubi" and "Tres Veces Ana". Additionally, Ricardo Estarellas, an American physician, made significant contributions to the medical field, focusing on cancer research and immunology. His work has led to advancements in understanding and treating various types of cancer. Although these are some of the most prominent individuals with the Estarellas surname, it is worth noting that many other successful people carrying this name may be found across different disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Estarellas

The Estarellas surname is believed to have originated from the region of Catalonia, Spain. It is derived from the Old Catalan word "estrella," meaning star. This suggests that an early bearer of the name was associated with this celestial body. The earliest known recorded instance of the surname can be traced back to the late Middle Ages, around the 15th century. One of the most notable individuals bearing this surname is Bernat Estarellas, a Catalan nobleman who played an important role in the political and social life of his region during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The surname has since spread to other parts of Spain and also to Latin America due to migration waves during the colonial era. Today, the Estarellas surname is still predominantly found among Catalans and Spanish-speaking communities around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Estarellas"
• 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 : 13 June 2025