What is the origin of the last name Mesas?

The surname Mesas is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the medieval period. It derives from a topographical name for someone who lived on a flat-topped hill or plateau, which in Spanish is referred to as "mesa." This type of surname emerged during the late Middle Ages as an easy way to identify people, particularly in regions where many people had the same first name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mesas

The meaning and origin of the last name Mesas

The surname Mesas is of Spanish origin, derived from the topographical term "mesa," which means "table" in English. This name was often given to individuals who lived on or near a flat-topped hill or plateau. The use of geographical features as surnames is common in Spain and other Hispanic countries, dating back to medieval times when these names helped distinguish individuals with the same first names living in different locations. Over time, the Mesas surname has been distributed globally due to migration, particularly during the Spanish colonization of the Americas. Today, it is a relatively common surname, especially in Spain and Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mesas

The surname Mesas has a significant presence primarily in Spain and Portugal, both countries being its origin due to the Moorish influence during the Middle Ages. In Spain, it is most common in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Castilla y León, Andalusia, Extremadura, and Valencia, reflecting the historical migration patterns following the Reconquista. In Portugal, the name can be found mostly in northern regions such as Minho, Douro, and Trás-os-Montes, again due to Moorish influence during the time of the Iberian Peninsula's occupation by the Muslims. Beyond Europe, a considerable number of individuals with this surname can also be found in Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Colombia, as a result of colonization and subsequent migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mesas

The surname Mesas has various spelling variations across different regions and cultures. Some common forms include Mesa, Mesas, De Mesa, Del Mesa, De la Mesa, and La Mesa. These variations may arise due to transliteration, regional dialects, or the influence of other languages. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, it is often spelled as Mesa, while in English-speaking regions, it may be spelled with an additional 'd' as De Mesa or Del Mesa, indicating a possessive form or a noble title in some contexts. These variations serve as interesting insights into the historical migration and cultural assimilation of families bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Mesas

Notable individuals with the surname Mesa include:

1. Julio Mesa (born 1947), a Peruvian lawyer and politician who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2008.

2. Salvador Mesa (born 1952), a Bolivian football manager and former player, known for leading Bolivia's national team at the FIFA World Cup in 1994.

3. Rafael Correa Delgado Mesa (born 1963), an Ecuadorian economist and politician who served as President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017.

4. Antonio Mesa Gómez (1928-2008), a Spanish architect, urban planner, and academic who was influential in the development of modern Spanish architecture.

5. José Antonio Mesa Rodríguez (born 1965), a Spanish football coach and former player who won two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, architecture, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Mesas

The surname Mesas is most commonly found in Spain and Portugal. It originates from the Latin word "mensa," meaning table, possibly given to someone who lived near a prominent landmark or physical feature resembling a table. In the Iberian Peninsula, the name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing the Mesas family in Galicia, Spain, during the 15th century. The family expanded throughout Spain and Portugal over the following centuries, with notable figures such as the Spanish jurist Francisco de Mesas y Fuentes (1734-1807) and the Portuguese poet António Feliciano de Mesquita (1810-1865). Today, the surname remains prevalent in these regions and among their diaspora.

Last name distribution maps

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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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