Last Name Giralt

The surname Giralt is primarily of Catalan origin. It comes from a place name derived from "giralta," which means "tower" in Latin. This surname was often given to someone who lived near or worked at such a tower. The name has also been found in other regions of Spain, but its most concentrated occurrence is in the Catalonia region. It's interesting to note that many Spanish and Catalan surnames, like Giralt, have roots in topographical features, occupations, or other aspects of their ancestors' lives.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Giralt

The meaning and origin of the last name Giralt

The surname Giralt is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the regions of Catalonia and Valencia. It derives from the medieval occupation of a 'girald' or 'geirald', which was a term for a tower guard or watchman. This role was crucial in medieval society as they were responsible for monitoring and protecting towns and castles during periods of war or attack. Over time, these occupational surnames became a means of identification and family lineage, with the Giralt family being one such example. The name can be traced back to various Catalan regions, particularly around Barcelona, where it is believed to have originated. It is also found in other Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns within Spain and beyond. Today, the Giralt surname is a common name in both Spain and Latin America, with variations such as Girald, Geralt, and Jiralt occurring due to spelling differences over time and across regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Giralt

The surname Giralt is predominantly found in Spain, with a significant concentration in the region of Catalonia, particularly in its provinces such as Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. It also has a presence in the Valencian Community, where it is sometimes spelled as "Giralte" due to regional variations. Beyond Spain, there are some instances of the Giralt surname in other Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, primarily among immigrants or descendants of Catalan origin. Additionally, small numbers of individuals with the last name Giralt can be found in France, Italy, and other European countries due to historical migrations. It's worth noting that the distribution of the Giralt surname largely reflects historical and cultural ties between regions and nations within and beyond the Iberian Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Giralt

The surname Giralt, originating from the Catalan region in Spain, has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common versions include:

1. Girault (French variant)
2. Jiraut (Castilian Spanish variant)
3. Geiralt (Portuguese variant with a "c" pronounced as "k")
4. Giralte (Spanish feminine variant)
5. Gyralt, Jeralto, and Geralto (phonetic variations)
6. Jiraldo, Hieraldo, and Heraldo (old-fashioned or regional variations)
7. Girault de Seta (a possible noble title with the addition of "de Seta" or "del Seta")
8. Giralte y Vidal (a compound surname formed by joining two separate family names)
9. De Giralt, Del Giralt, and El Giralt (the definite article added to indicate a specific person)
10. Gyralt-Smith or Smith-Gyralt (hyphenated combinations with additional family names)

Famous people with the last name Giralt

The Giralt surname has produced notable figures across various fields, showcasing their diverse talents and achievements. One such individual is Montserrat Giralt i Bosch (1943-2018), a prominent Catalan linguist, philosopher, and politician. She served as the Minister of Education, Culture, and Sports of Spain from 2004 to 2008 and was also the president of the Institut d'Estudis Catalans (Institute of Catalan Studies). In the realm of sports, Jordi Giralt (born 1963) is a renowned tennis player who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 45 in 1987. As for literature, Jaume Giralt i Ardevol (1920-1998), also known by his pseudonym Jaume Cabré, was a prolific Catalan writer, playwright, and poet, with his works being translated into several languages worldwide. Lastly, in the world of music, Xavier Giralt (born 1975) is a Spanish composer who has been honored with numerous awards for his contributions to contemporary classical music.

Genealogical research on the last name Giralt

The last name Giralt is of Spanish origin and is believed to have derived from the medieval occupational surname "girald" or "jiraldo," which refers to a warrior, knight, or soldier. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula, the Giralt family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records found in Catalonia and Aragon during the 13th and 14th centuries. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to regional dialects, such as Giraut, Jiraut, Girart, and Jiralte. The Giralt family migrated and settled throughout Spain, as well as in other parts of Europe, including France, Italy, and Portugal. Some branches of the Giralt family emigrated to America during the 16th and 17th centuries, with a significant number settling in present-day Mexico and Peru. Today, descendants of the Giralt family can be found worldwide, particularly in Spain, South America, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Giralt"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends