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Last Name Lapalma

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What is the origin of the last name Lapalma?

The surname Lapalma is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically "La Palma," which refers to several locations in Spain and Portugal. The name La Palma means "the palm" in Spanish, and it was often used as a surname by people who lived near or originated from these places. Over time, the spelling of the surname may have varied due to differences in regional dialects and transcription errors.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lapalma

The meaning and origin of the last name Lapalma

The surname Lapalma is of Spanish origin, derived from a place name, specifically a location named "Palma" which could refer to any of several places named Palma across Spain. The addition of "de" or "del" before the place name indicates that the original bearer of this surname was from one of these locations. Over time, the name was eventually shortened to Lapalma. It's important to note that Spanish surnames like Lapalma typically originated as a means to identify people with common lineage or geographical origins during the Late Middle Ages in Iberia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lapalma

The surname Lapalma is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, with the highest concentration in Galicia, a region located in northwestern Spain. It originates from the word "palma," which means palm tree in Spanish, indicating that it may have been given to someone who lived near or owned a property marked by a palm tree. The name is less common in other parts of the world but has been found in some Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil and Angola due to historical immigration patterns. In the United States, it's most frequently seen among populations of Spanish origin, particularly in states with significant Hispanic communities such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lapalma

The surname Lapalma has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to regional differences and translation errors over time. Some of these variants include: La Palma, L'Apalma, De Lapalma, Delapalma, De la Palma, Dalapalma, and de Lapalme. These variations may be found in different countries, with some families originating from Spain or Italy. The name Lapalma or its variants can be traced back to the Spanish word "la palma," which means "the palm tree." It is also possible to find similar surnames in other languages, such as French and Italian, which may have independent origins but share a similar meaning or sound.

Famous people with the last name Lapalma

Among the notable individuals sharing the surname Lapalma are:

1. José Antonio de Lapalma y Mendoza (18th century), a Spanish military officer and colonial administrator, who served as governor of Cuba from 1794 to 1796 during the late Spanish colonial era.

2. Juan Carlos Lapalma (b. 1953), a Cuban-born American journalist and author. He has written for several publications including The Miami Herald, The New York Times, and The Washington Post.

3. Juan Lapalma (b. 1974), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a forward, known for his time at Real Madrid and Valencia CF during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

4. Carlos Lapalma (b. 1983), a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper, currently with Deportivo Alavés in La Liga Santander. He started his career at Real Madrid's youth academy.

Genealogical research on the last name Lapalma

The surname Lapalma originates from Spain and is derived from the topographic name "del palmar," meaning "of the palm tree." This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a palm tree or grove.

The earliest records of the Lapalma family date back to 15th-century Castile, Spain. The family spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula during the centuries that followed, with notable settlements in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Aragon.

In the late 19th century, a significant number of Lapalmas emigrated from Spain to South America, particularly Argentina and Chile, as well as to Cuba and the United States due to economic hardships and political unrest. The Lapalma family has maintained strong roots in these countries, with numerous descendants continuing to bear the name today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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