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Last Name Fombellida

What is the origin of the last name Fombellida?

The surname Fombellida is primarily found in Spain and has possible origins rooted in the Basque region. Surnames in Spain were first introduced during the late Middle Ages, when King Alfonso X, known as "El Sabio" (The Wise), ordered that every person should have a unique surname to distinguish between individuals with similar names. The origin of many Spanish surnames can be traced back to various sources such as geographical locations, occupations, or personal characteristics. In the case of Fombellida, it is believed that this surname may be derived from the Basque word "fombe" which means "old house." The "ida" part might have been added as a patronymic suffix to denote son of someone with the name "Fombe." It's important to note that the origin and meaning of surnames can often be complex, and different theories exist for many names. Moreover, many Basque surnames do not follow the same patterns as Spanish or other European surnames, making their origins more difficult to decipher. As a result, this information should be considered one possible theory regarding the origin of the Fombellida surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fombellida

The meaning and origin of the last name Fombellida

The surname Fombellida is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Galicia. It is derived from a place name, as many Spanish surnames often are. In this case, the name likely originated from the village or parish named "Fombellida" located in the province of Lugo, Galicia. The name Fombellida itself means "almond thicket" or "almond grove," derived from the Basque words "fombe" (almond) and "itza" (place). Over time, as people migrated or moved away, they carried their place of origin with them, adopting it as a surname to distinguish themselves from others. The surname Fombellida is relatively rare but has been traced back to the 15th century in the region of Galicia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fombellida

The surname Fombellida is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Galicia and Asturias, both located on the northwest coast of the country. Galicia accounts for the majority of its occurrences, with a significant concentration in the provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña. In Asturias, it is most prevalent in the eastern regions. The name also has some presence in other Spanish regions such as Cantabria, Castilla y León, and Madrid due to migration from its primary areas of origin over time. Beyond Spain, there are smaller populations of individuals with the Fombellida surname in Latin America, particularly in Argentina and Chile, owing to historical emigration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fombellida

The surname Fombellida has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include:

1. Fombellida: This is the original spelling, which originates from the Basque region of Spain.
2. Fombellida-Larrea: This version adds Larrea, a common patronymic name in the Basque Country.
3. Fombelida: A slight variation of the original spelling with a different placement of the 'l' and 'b'.
4. Fombelida: Another variant with a transposed 'o' and 'm'.
5. Fombellido: This is a possible Spanish version, where the 'a' at the end of the name is replaced by an 'o'.
6. Fombelido-Larrea: The Spanish version including the patronymic Larrea.
7. Phombellida, Fombelida, Fombelido (with ph instead of f): These could be English transliterations of the original Basque spelling.
8. Vambellida: A variant that might have arisen due to misinterpretation or simplification of the name over time.

Famous people with the last name Fombellida

One of the notable individuals with the surname Fombellida is Juan Eduardo Fombellida (born 1948), a Peruvian politician who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2017 under President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Prior to his political career, he worked as an academic and diplomat, serving as the Peruvian ambassador to several countries including Cuba, Spain, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Another prominent figure is José Antonio Fombellida (born 1963), a Spanish politician who has been a member of the European Parliament since 2014. He belongs to the Socialists' Party of Catalonia and serves on the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

Genealogical research on the last name Fombellida

The surname Fombellida is believed to have roots in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in northern Spain, with potential origins traced back to the province of Galicia. Historical records suggest that the name could be derived from various places named Fombellido or Fomellido, which exist in this region. The name's etymology is unclear, but it may be related to the Old Celtic word "fomelo" meaning "little hill."

Migration records show that bearers of the surname Fombellida began emigrating to South America during the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly to Peru and Argentina. In these countries, the name evolved into various spellings such as Fombelea, Fombleyda, or Fombella due to phonetic adaptations and transcription errors over time.

Today, the surname Fombellida is predominantly found in Spain, Peru, Argentina, and other countries with a significant Spanish-speaking population. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the history and origins of this interesting surname.

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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