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Last Name Guedella

What is the origin of the last name Guedella?

The surname Guedella is believed to have origins in Spain and Portugal, derived from a place name or occupational name. It may be a variant of the Catalan and Aragonese surnames Guell, Guerola, or Guerrero, which are often related to the Occitan word "guèrra" meaning war or battle. Alternatively, it could originate from Gualdrada, a place name in Spain. However, it's essential to note that surnames can have multiple origins and historical records may not always provide clear evidence of the exact origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guedella

The meaning and origin of the last name Guedella

The surname Guedella is of French and Basque origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Guéthary located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwestern France. The town's name comes from the Basque word "Gue" which means "river" or "water," and "Harri" meaning "rocky," thus signifying a place near a rocky river. Over time, this place name evolved into various forms, including Guedela and Guedelle, which were later adopted as surnames by inhabitants of the town and its surrounding areas. The surname Guedella can also be found among descendants of Basque immigrants in other countries, particularly in South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guedella

The surname Guedella is primarily found in regions with significant populations of people of Basque origin, particularly in the autonomous communities of the Basque Country (both Spain and France), as well as Navarra and Aragon in Spain. However, diaspora has led to its presence in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, among other continents. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the provinces of Gipuzkoa, Bizkaia, and Araba. In France, it is more concentrated in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. The surname may also be found in Navarra and parts of southern Aragon due to historical links between these regions and the Basque Country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guedella

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

1. Gueudala
2. Guedele
3. Guédelon
4. Guedellah
5. Guedellah
6. Guedellae
7. Guidalla
8. Guidelle
9. Guidellah
10. Guidellae

These variations may be found in different countries, reflecting the migration and adaptation of families bearing this name. It's essential to note that these variations could have slight differences due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or phonetic changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Guedella

The Guedella family has produced several notable individuals in various fields. One of the most renowned is Jean Guedena, a French musician and composer, best known for his work as the cellist in the Trio Wanderer. Another prominent figure is Michel Gondry, a French film director, music video director, screenwriter, and musician, whose work includes films like "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" and music videos for artists such as Björk, The White Stripes, and Kylie Minogue. Lastly, there is Jean-Claude Guedel, a Swiss chemist and biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of protein structure determination, including developing the method of crystallographic phasing. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and talents within the Guedella family.

Genealogical research on the last name Guedella

The surname Guedella is believed to have originated from the Basque region, specifically the province of Guipuzcoa in Spain. Variations of this surname include Gueyjuela, Gueijuela, and Goitia. Some researchers suggest that the name may be derived from a place named Goizueta, which means "new house" in Basque. The Guedella family is known to have emigrated from Spain and settled in France during the 16th century before spreading throughout Europe and the Americas. Notable figures with this surname include the French mathematician Jean-Baptiste Guedel (1789-1853) and the Spanish politician Jose Antonio Guedea y Ruiz (1820-1864). Genealogical research is ongoing to trace the ancestry of this surname and to establish connections between various branches.

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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