What is the origin of the last name Lapiedra?

The surname Lapiedra is of Spanish origin. It translates to "stone slab" in English, derived from the word "piedra," which means stone in Spanish. Like many Spanish surnames, it likely originated as a topographical or occupational name for someone who lived near a notable rock formation or worked with stone. However, the specific origin of the Lapiedra surname may vary depending on the family and region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lapiedra

The meaning and origin of the last name Lapiedra

The surname Lapiedra is of Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name for a mason or stonecutter. The name comes from the word "piedra," which means "stone" in Spanish. Over time, this occupation-based surname became hereditary and was passed down from generation to generation. It's worth noting that Spanish surnames began to be widely adopted during the Late Middle Ages, becoming widespread by the 15th century due to a decree by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella in 1480 or 1481 that everyone should have a unique surname. The Lapiedra surname is prevalent not only in Spain but also among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide, particularly in Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lapiedra

The surname Lapiedra is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and several Latin American nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. It is derived from the Spanish word "piedra" meaning stone or rock. In Spain, it is most concentrated in regions like Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia, reflecting its origin. In Latin America, it has a broad distribution across various countries, with notable numbers in urban areas, possibly due to migration patterns from Spain during the colonial era and subsequent population movements within the continent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lapiedra

The surname Lapiedra can have various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preferences. Some common spelling variants include: de Lapiedra, del Lapiedra, Lapidra, De Lapidra, Delapiedra, and De La Piedra. These variations arise from factors such as the inclusion or omission of articles (e.g., "de" or "del"), the use of alternate spellings for certain letters (such as "i" vs. "y" in this case), and regional differences in pronunciation and orthography. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variants originate from the original Spanish surname meaning "from the stone."

Famous people with the last name Lapiedra

Notable individuals sharing the surname Lapiedra include:

1. Ricardo Lapiedra (born 1987), a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Real Sociedad.
2. Lourdes Lapiedra (born 1966), a Spanish actress and singer, best known for her role in the 1984 film "La estanquera de Vallecas."
3. Mariano Lapiedra (born 1980), an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He has played for several clubs including Independiente and River Plate.
4. Ignacio Lapiedra (born 1959), a Spanish writer and journalist, known for his work on the television show "La mañana."

Each of these individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in Spain and Argentina.

Genealogical research on the last name Lapiedra

The surname Lapiedra originates from Spain, specifically the region of Castile and León, where it is one of the oldest and most numerous surnames in the country. It is derived from the occupational name "piedra," meaning stone mason or builder, indicating a profession related to the construction industry. Early records show that Lapiedras were predominantly located in the provinces of Burgos, Segovia, and Palencia. The first documented occurrence of the name can be traced back to the 10th century when a Rodrigo Perez de Piedra was mentioned in a document from the Monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos. Over the centuries, Lapiedras migrated throughout Spain, with some settling in South America during the colonial era. Today, the surname Lapiedra can be found worldwide among descendants of Spanish immigrants.

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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