Last Name Molas

The surname Molas is primarily of Basque origin, a region spanning parts of Spain and France in the Pyrenees Mountains. The name Molas may have various meanings, including "mills" or "hammer" in Basque, as well as other interpretations that originate from different regional dialects and interpretations over time. However, it's important to note that surnames can evolve through different migrations and historical events, so the exact origins may vary for different families bearing this name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Molas

The meaning and origin of the last name Molas

The surname Molas is of Basque origin, primarily found among the populations living in the northern region of Spain and southwestern France. The name is believed to be derived from a geographical location or a topographic feature, possibly referring to a valley or flat land in Basque, as "mola" means 'flat' or 'plain'. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms like Molloy, Mulloy, Mullan, and Mullins. The surname Molas is also found among Basque immigrants who settled in other countries, particularly in Latin America, the United States, and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Molas

The surname Molas has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Catalonia and Aragon, reflecting its historical roots in the region. It is most concentrated in the provinces of Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, and Tarragona. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in the Balearic Islands, especially in Mallorca and Ibiza. Beyond Spain, there are Molas families in other Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba, as a result of migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, a small number of individuals with the surname Molas can be found in the United States, Australia, and other countries where Spanish migrants have settled over the years.

Variants and spellings of the last name Molas

The surname Molas has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Molas, Mollas, Moolas, and Mullas. These variations may stem from slight phonetic changes or differences in the original spelling, such as misspellings or different orthographic conventions used during various historical periods. Additionally, the name may have been altered due to immigration and assimilation processes over time. In some cases, it is also possible for individuals to change their surname for personal reasons, leading to further variations in the spelling of Molas.

Famous people with the last name Molas

The Molas family has produced several prominent figures in various fields, particularly in art and politics. Juan de Arevalo Molas (1904-2003) was a Panamanian political leader who served as President of Panama from 1964 to 1968. In the realm of art, Mola (born Nicolas de Jesus Martinez Mola in 1935), a native of the Kuna Yala territory in Panama, is renowned for his intricate and colorful appliquéd textile artworks known as molas, which have gained international recognition. The Molas are also known outside the art world. For instance, Marta Molina Molas (born 1968) is a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several prominent clubs in Spain and France. Lastly, Juan Manuel Molas Llorens (born 1942), a Spanish economist, has made significant contributions to the field of economics with his research on productivity and innovation.

Genealogical research on the last name Molas

The surname Molas has roots in several countries, indicating its complex history and potential origins from various ethnic groups. Originating as a Jewish family name, Molas is believed to have originated in Spain during the Middle Ages. One theory suggests that it is derived from the Hebrew name Mordechai, meaning "bitter" or "bold." The surname was common among Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and dispersed across Europe and the Americas.

In addition to its Jewish origins, Molas is also found in other European countries such as Italy and Portugal, suggesting a potential connection to these regions. In Italy, it has been associated with the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it may have originated from the town of Motta di Livenza.

In the Americas, the surname Molas is particularly prevalent in Brazil and the United States, due to the displacement of Sephardic Jews during the Inquisition. The Molas family is one of the oldest Jewish families in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with records dating back to the 16th century.

Today, the surname Molas can be found worldwide, with variations such as Molla, Mollo, and Molle, among others. Its complex history and wide geographical distribution make it an intriguing family name to explore further in genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Molas"
• 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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