Last Name Iral

The surname Iral, like many Spanish and Portuguese surnames, has a complex history and its origin can be traced back to various roots. One possible origin is from the medieval Iberian region, where the name could have been derived from a place name or geographical feature. For example, it's possible that the name Iral may have originated from a location named "Iral" in Spain or Portugal. This type of surname development is known as toponymic. Another potential origin lies in occupational names, where the name could have been given to someone who worked with iron or was involved in some form of iron production, such as a blacksmith or miner. In this case, Iral could be derived from the Old Spanish word "hierro," which means iron. It's also worth noting that there may be Patronymic origins, where the name was given to someone who was the son of an individual named Iral or similar name variations. However, without more specific information about the particular Iral family in question, it is challenging to definitively pinpoint its exact origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iral

The meaning and origin of the last name Iral

The surname Irál is primarily found among Portuguese speakers, particularly in Portugal and Brazil, though its origins can be traced back to other regions as well due to historical migrations. The name is believed to have derived from various sources, including regional place names or personal names that evolved over time into a surname. One possible origin could be the town of Irál in northern Portugal, which was first documented in the 13th century and may have contributed to the formation of the surname. Another theory suggests a connection to the personal name Iral or Heraldo, which means "herald" in Old Portuguese, although there is no definitive evidence supporting this claim. Regardless of its origin, the surname Irál has become an integral part of the Portuguese and Brazilian cultural landscape, reflecting the rich history and diversity of these nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iral

The surname Irál is predominantly found in Portugal, specifically in the region of Minho, particularly in the districts of Braga and Viana do Castelo, where it originates from. Its frequency decreases significantly as one moves away from this region. Historically, the name has been associated with the town of Irál, which is located in the northern part of Portugal. Outside of Portugal, the name has also been found in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola, due to migration during the colonial era. In Brazil, it is more common in the states of Pará, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, and São Paulo.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iral

The last name Iral has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variations:

1. Iral: This is the original form of the surname, originating from various regions including Spain and Portugal.
2. Erral, Herral, Herrall, Heral, Herrale, Hiral, Hirall, Hirral: These variations may result from phonetic changes in pronunciation or spelling over time.
3. Arial, Ayrale, Airall: These are alternative spellings that might have arisen due to spelling reforms or individual preferences.
4. Urrial, Urral, Ourral: These variations may be found among Basque families, as the Basque language has unique phonetic and orthographic rules.
5. Irrel, Eirall, Erholl, Erroll, Herrell, Herril, Herrill: These might be misspellings or typographical errors.
6. De Iral, Del Iral, Don Iral: These are some examples of forms including the definite article "de" or honorific titles common in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking cultures.

Famous people with the last name Iral

Notable individuals with the surname Irál include:

1. Álvaro Iráldo (born 1974), a Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs, including Benfica and Porto, and the Portugal national team.
2. Joaquim Pedro de Almeida Iráldo (1850-1917), also known as José Maria Eca de Queiroz, was a Portuguese novelist, journalist, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of the greatest authors in the history of Portuguese literature.
3. Cristiano Iráldo (born 1962), a Brazilian footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Santos, as well as the Brazil national team.
4. Jorge Iráldo (1905-1987), a Portuguese film actor who appeared in over 60 films between 1932 and 1984, including several popular comedies directed by Antonio Lopes Ribeiro.
5. Pedro Iráldo dos Santos (born 1965), also known as Zé Iráldo, is a Brazilian journalist, writer, and television host who currently works for the SBT network.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Portugal, Brazil, and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Iral

The surname Irál originates from the Basque region, specifically northern Spain and southern France. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Iraldo or Uraldo, both being traditional Basque names. The name Iraldo is believed to be composed of "Ira" meaning "lion" and "-ald" which can mean "ruler" or "strong."

Over time, variations in spelling due to translation and personal preference have emerged, such as Irar, Irala, and Uralde. The migration of Basque people, particularly during the industrial revolution, has resulted in the distribution of this surname across various countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, and the United States. In Argentina, for instance, the name ranks among the top 10,000 most common surnames, according to the Argentine National Census. The Irál lineage can be traced back to the Basque Country, providing a rich cultural heritage for those bearing this name.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "iral"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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