Last Name Maldonado

The last name Maldonado is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the place name Maldonado, which is a town in Spain located near the Portuguese border. The name Maldonado is commonly found in Spain and Latin American countries due to migration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Maldonado

The meaning and origin of the last name Maldonado

The surname Maldonado is of Spanish origin and has a rich history. Its meaning can be traced back to the Spanish word "maldonado," which refers to a place called Maldonado. This toponymic surname has several possible origins, but one theory suggests it originated in the province of Cáceres, within the region of Extremadura, Spain. It is believed that people bearing this surname could have descended from Moors who converted to Christianity during the Reconquista, as "Maldonado" translates to "damned" or "cursed" in Spanish. Another possible origin points to the Maldonado river and the Argentine city founded on its banks, leading to the surname being adopted by individuals connected to this location. Over time, descendants of those with the Maldonado surname migrated to various parts of the world, resulting in its prevalence in different countries today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Maldonado

The last name Maldonado has a fairly widespread geographical distribution, with its origins in Spain. It is commonly found in countries with a strong Spanish influence, including Spain itself, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, and Colombia. In Spain, the name is most prevalent in the Andalusia region, particularly the provinces of Málaga and Huelva. In Mexico, it is a common surname throughout the country, with significant concentrations in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Mexico City. Argentina also has a significant population of individuals with the last name Maldonado, particularly in Buenos Aires and the provinces of Santa Fe and Chaco. Peru and Colombia also have notable numbers of Maldonado families, primarily in the cities of Lima and Bogotá respectively. Additionally, due to migration patterns, the name can also be found in significant numbers in the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations such as California, Texas, and Florida.

Variants and spellings of the last name Maldonado

The last name Maldonado is not only a common Hispanic surname, but it also holds various spelling variations throughout different regions and countries. Some of the most commonly seen variations of this surname include Maldonaldo, Maldonatto, Maldonnado, Maldndonado, Maldonaddo, Mladonado, and Maldnado, among others. These variations often occur due to differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions across different Spanish-speaking nations. Additionally, individuals who migrate to non-Spanish-speaking countries may adapt the spelling to better suit the local language. It is also worth mentioning that surname variations can emerge due to clerical errors, transcription discrepancies, or the personal preference of the individual or their ancestors. Nevertheless, despite the differences in spelling, these variations are all considered to be derived from the original Spanish surname Maldonado, which is believed to have originated from Maldona, a town in Galicia, Spain.

Famous people with the last name Maldonado

There are several famous individuals with the last name Maldonado who have made notable contributions to their respective fields. Juan de Maldonado was a renowned sixteenth-century Spanish Jesuit missionary and mathematician who worked extensively in Latin America, particularly in Peru. His translations and writings on native languages played a crucial role in understanding and preserving indigenous cultures. In the world of motorsports, Fernando Maldonado from Venezuela became well-known as a skilled Formula One driver, competing for teams like Williams and Lotus. Moving to the realm of music, Christine Maldonado is recognized as a talented American opera singer who has performed on prestigious stages and garnered critical acclaim for her powerful vocal abilities. Lastly, Carlos Maldonado, a celebrated chef from Spain, gained international recognition for winning the prestigious culinary competition show, MasterChef. His innovative cooking style and excellence in the kitchen have placed him among the world's leading chefs.

Genealogical research on the last name Maldonado

The last name Maldonado has a rich genealogical history that spans several centuries. It is a Spanish surname with roots in the medieval region of Castile, in present-day Spain. The name Maldonado is believed to have derived from the Spanish words "mal," meaning bad or evil, and "donado," meaning given or endowed. This suggests that the original bearer of this name may have been associated with negative or unfortunate circumstances. Over time, the Maldonado family expanded beyond Spain, with branches settling in various parts of the world, including Latin America and the United States. Today, the Maldonado surname is found in many different countries and continues to be passed down from one generation to the next. Through genealogical research, it is possible to trace the diverse family connections and lineage of individuals with the last name Maldonado, unveiling a tapestry of history and personal stories.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Maldonado"
• 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 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends