Last Name Gelabert

The surname Gelabert is a Spanish and Catalan patronymic surname derived from the given name Gelaberto, which is a medieval form of the name Gilbert. This name was brought to Spain by the Normans during their conquest in the 11th century and gradually evolved into the modern-day forms such as Gelabert. The name itself originates from the Germanic elements "Gisil" (pledge, hostage) and "berht" (bright, famous), thus the name can be interpreted as "bright pledge" or "famous hostage".

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gelabert

The meaning and origin of the last name Gelabert

The surname Gelabert is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Catalan region. It derives from the Old Occitan word "gelabert," which means "frost-bright" or "white as frost." This name was likely given to a person who had fair skin or white hair, symbolizing purity and innocence. The name has been recorded in various forms over centuries, including Gelarbet, Gelabart, and Gelabort, due to spelling variations that were common during the Middle Ages and early modern periods. The popularity of this surname in Spain is concentrated in the provinces of Barcelona, Gerona, and Tarragona, reflecting the historical influence of Catalan culture on naming practices. Today, the Gelabert family name can be found throughout Spain and its diaspora, with notable figures like the composer Jaume Gelabert being associated with it.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gelabert

The surname Gelabert is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia, where it originated from. It is also present in other parts of the country but with lower frequency. Historically, the name is associated with the Jewish population that lived in these regions before their expulsion in 1492 during the Spanish Inquisition. Today, a significant number of Gelabert descendants can be found outside Spain as well, particularly in countries such as Argentina, United States, and Israel, where many Sephardic Jews emigrated from Spain during various historical periods. The name Gelabert also appears sporadically in France, Italy, and other European countries, likely due to migration and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gelabert

The surname Gelabert has various spellings and pronunciations due to regional differences and individual preference. Some common variants include: Gelabert, Gelabertz (Basque), Gelabart, Gelabarte, Gelabartz (Spanish and Basque), Jelabert, Jelabertz (Bearnais Basque). The name may have originated from the town of Gelabert in Catalonia, Spain. It is also possible that the name has a different etymology in the Basque region, where it could be derived from the elements "gel" (frost) and "aberri" (mountain valley), meaning "the mountain valley with frost". Regardless of its origin, the Gelabert surname is rich in diversity and history.

Famous people with the last name Gelabert

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Gelabert are:

1. Joan Gelabert i Arbos (1879-1963), a Catalan architect who designed several significant buildings in Barcelona, including the former headquarters of La Caixa bank.
2. Enric Gelabert i Roca (1906-1995), a Catalan poet and writer, recognized for his works on the cultural heritage of Catalonia.
3. José María Gelabert (born 1954), a Spanish journalist, columnist, and television presenter, currently working for the public broadcaster TVE.
4. Carlos Gelabert i Vila (1870-1956), an architect who worked on various projects in Barcelona during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including some notable modernist structures.
5. Carles Gelabert (born 1959), a Spanish author and journalist, known for his novels and non-fiction books about Catalan history and culture.
6. Francesc Gelabert i Fontbona (1878-1942), a Catalan poet, novelist, and literary critic who was part of the modernista movement in Catalonia during the late 19th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Gelabert

The surname Gelabert originates from Catalonia, Spain, specifically in the region of Girona. It is derived from a personal name, most likely "Gelaber," which has Germanic roots. The name Gelaber is believed to have been brought to Catalonia by the Visigoths or Carolingians during the Middle Ages. Over time, the surname evolved into its current form, Gelabert.

The Gelaberts were documented as a notable family in medieval records, with the first known reference dating back to the 10th century. They were landowners and played significant roles in local governance, particularly in the towns of Salt, Anglesola, and Rupit. During the 14th and 15th centuries, many Gelaberts emigrated from Catalonia, spreading the surname across Europe, primarily to France and Italy.

The Gelabert family continues to be found across Spain, with significant populations in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. In recent times, descendants of the Gelaberts can also be found in various parts of the world due to migrations during the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Gelabert"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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