Last Name Madera

The surname Madera has Spanish origins. It is derived from the word "madera," which means wood in English. This surname may have been given to someone who lived near a large tree or forest, or to a craftsman who worked with wood. In some cases, it may also be a patronymic, meaning that it was passed down from a father named Mado, a diminutive form of the name Maria in Spanish-speaking regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Madera

The meaning and origin of the last name Madera

The surname Madera, of Spanish origin, is derived from the word "madera," which means wood in English. It was often given to individuals who lived near a forest or worked with wood as their primary occupation. Over time, it has been adopted and spread by Spanish-speaking families, particularly those residing in Spain and its former colonies, including Latin America. The name's distribution is most prominent in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico due to historical Spanish settlement and migration patterns. Today, individuals with the surname Madera can be found across various regions worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Madera

The surname Madera has a noticeable distribution across several regions globally. In Spain, where it originates, it is particularly prevalent in the Canary Islands and some regions on the mainland such as Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Andalusia. In the United States, especially Puerto Rico and Cuba, Madera is also a common surname due to Spanish colonization. The name can be found in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and other Latin American countries where there is a significant Spanish influence. Additionally, the surname Madera is present in some European countries like France, Portugal, and Italy, reflecting historical migration patterns. In Australia, New Zealand, and the United States (outside Puerto Rico), Madera is less common but still found among populations with Spanish or Latin American ancestry. The geographical spread of Madera demonstrates the historical movement of people from Spain, as well as the influence of Spanish culture on other regions, particularly in the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Madera

The surname Madera has various spellings and variations worldwide, primarily due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional spelling conventions. Here are some common variants:

1. Madera (Spanish) - the most common form, originating from Spain or Spanish-speaking regions such as Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.
2. Madeira (Portuguese) - a Portuguese name, often referring to the Portuguese archipelago of the same name. It can also be found as a surname in Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil or Angola.
3. Madera-Carrillo (Spanish) - a compound surname derived from Madera and Carrillo.
4. Madare (Arabic origin) - a variant of the Arabic name, which could have been introduced to Spanish-speaking regions by Moorish settlers.
5. Maddera (English) - an English version of the Spanish or Arabic surname.
6. Mader (German) - a German form, potentially derived from the same root word as the Spanish and Portuguese Madera.
7. Madaira (variant spellings include Madhira, Maddira) - found in India, where it may have origins unrelated to the Spanish or Portuguese surname.
8. Madará (Hungarian) - a Hungarian variation, potentially related to the Hungarian word for "forest" or "wood."
9. Madareva (Czech and Slovak) - a Slavic variant, possibly derived from the same root as Madera.

Famous people with the last name Madera

Notable individuals with the surname Madera include Juan Bautista de Madera (c.1545-1627), a Spanish Jesuit missionary who was one of the first Europeans to explore the Philippines and is considered the co-founder of Manila. Another significant figure is David Madera (born 1962), an American politician who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs during the Obama administration. He was a key player in shaping U.S. policy towards Africa, focusing on countering violent extremism and promoting peace and democracy. Additionally, there is Ana Isabelle Madera (born 1983), an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "Orange Is the New Black" and "The Handmaid's Tale". These individuals, from different eras and fields, demonstrate the diverse achievements of those with the last name Madera.

Genealogical research on the last name Madera

The surname Madera, of Spanish origin, translates to "wood" in English. It is a common name in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Puerto Rico and Mexico. Some notable figures with this surname include Juan Ponce de León, the explorer who discovered Florida and claimed it for Spain, and Carlos Madera, a Mexican politician who served as governor of Jalisco. The earliest recorded ancestors of the Madera family were likely inhabitants of Spain during the Middle Ages. With migration and colonization, the surname spread to Latin America, where it has remained prevalent. Today, individuals with the surname Madera can be found across the globe, reflecting the dispersal of people with Spanish ancestry over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Madera"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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