Last Name Matilla

The surname Matilla is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Mateo (Matthew), which is a biblical name that appears in the New Testament as one of the twelve apostles. The name Mateo comes from the Aramaic "Matthaios," meaning "gift of God." Over time, the patronymic form Matilla emerged, indicating that the original bearer's father was named Mateo. It is most commonly found in Spain and parts of Latin America due to historical influences of Spanish colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Matilla

The meaning and origin of the last name Matilla

The surname Matilla is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the northern regions of Spain such as Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragon. It is derived from a place name or geographical feature, specifically "Matilla" which refers to a small fortified settlement or a farmstead surrounded by walls, possibly named after the plant Matilaja (a species of elderberry), or Matile (a type of oak tree) that grew in abundance in these areas. Over time, individuals living in or near such settlements took on the name as their surname, and it has been passed down through generations. The name is now common in both Spain and Latin American countries with a Spanish heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Matilla

The surname Matilla is predominantly found in Spain and is particularly common in the autonomous communities of Navarre and Aragon, reflecting its Basque origins. Within these regions, it is most frequent in the provinces of Navarra, Guipuzcoa, and Zaragoza. Outside of Spain, a significant number of people with the last name Matilla can be found in Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. The name is also sporadically found in other parts of the world where there are communities of Spanish origin, such as the United States, France, and Italy. In these contexts, it represents a connection to Spanish culture or heritage for many individuals who bear the name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Matilla

The surname Matilla has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these include Matila, Matillah, Matyla, Mattila, Matiello, Matiella, Matielo, Matile, and Matillo. These variations may originate from different countries or dialects, but they all stem from the same original name. The most common spelling in English-speaking countries is Matilla. The name is of Basque origin, derived from the word "matia" meaning apple tree.

Famous people with the last name Matilla

Juan Matilla, a renowned Spanish football goalkeeper, is one of the well-known individuals bearing the surname Matilla. He played professionally for clubs such as Athletic Bilbao and Valencia CF. Another notable figure with the name is Ana Matilla, a Spanish actress who gained recognition for her role in the television series "Médico de Familia" and films like "Barrio" and "El laberinto del Fauno". In the field of visual arts, Eduardo Chillida Matilla, often simply known as Eduardo Chillida, is recognized as one of Spain's most important contemporary sculptors. His works can be found in various international museums and public spaces. Lastly, there is the legendary Mexican-American singer and activist Lalo Guerrero, who helped popularize mariachi music in the United States, and whose last name is also Matilla through marriage.

Genealogical research on the last name Matilla

The surname Matilla originates from the Basque region, specifically from the province of Guipuzcoa in Spain. It is believed to be derived from the place-name Matia or Matiara, which was an early medieval settlement in the Basque Country. The name is thought to have been originally a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearer lived in or came from one of these locations.

The Matilla family has a long and distinguished history in Spain, particularly in Navarre and Guipuzcoa, with several notable members throughout history. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 12th century when a certain Martin Matia was mentioned in a document from the Kingdom of Navarre. The family played significant roles in the politics and society of these regions during the Middle Ages and the early modern period, with many members serving as knights, nobles, and clergy.

Over time, the Matilla family also migrated to other parts of Europe, including France and Italy, where they continued to establish themselves in various communities. Today, the surname Matilla can be found throughout Spain, as well as in other countries with significant Basque populations such as Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Peru, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Matilla"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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