The last name "Moldes" appears to have origins in various regions, but it is most commonly found among populations from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Portugal and Spain. In some cases, it can also be found among people of Jewish ancestry who lived in those regions.
The name Moldes could potentially originate from a variety of sources:
1. Geographical locations: There are several places named "Moldes" in Portugal, such as Vila do Moldes (an old civil parish in Abrantes municipality) and Freguesia de Moldes (a parish in the municipality of Vila Verde). The name could have been adopted by people who lived in these areas.
2. Occupations: "Moldes" may also be a surname derived from craftsmen or artisans who specialized in molding objects, such as metalworkers, potters, or sculptors. In Portuguese, the verb "moldar" means to mold, model, or shape something, so people with this last name could have been associated with these professions.
3. Jewish ancestry: The name Moldes might also be of Hebrew origin, derived from the given name Moled, meaning craftsman or artisan. This surname was often adopted by Jews who lived in Spain and Portugal before their expulsion in the 15th century and afterwards. Some families continued to use this surname after converting to Christianity, while others emigrated to other countries and retained the name.
4. Miscellaneous: It is also possible that the name Moldes could be derived from other less common sources, such as nicknames, personal characteristics, or regional dialects.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Moldes
The meaning and origin of the last name Moldes
The surname Moldes is primarily of Basque origin, with roots in the northern Spanish region of the Basque Country and adjacent areas of southern France. In the Basque language, "moldi" means "flat land" or "plain," suggesting that an early bearer of this name may have lived on a level piece of terrain. The surname has several variants, including Moldés, Moldez, Moldezuela, and others, reflecting the various phonetic spellings that have emerged over time due to linguistic differences and scribal errors. The Basque people have been inhabiting the region since prehistoric times, developing their own unique language, culture, and traditions. The adoption of surnames was a later development, beginning in the Middle Ages and continuing into the Modern Era, as a means of identifying individuals within growing populations and communities.
Geographical distribution of the last name Moldes
The last name Moldes is predominantly distributed across several Spanish-speaking regions, with significant concentrations in Spain and Portugal. In Spain, the highest occurrences are found in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León, and Navarra. This may be attributed to historical migration patterns from these areas, particularly Galicia, where the name originated. In Portugal, Moldes can be found primarily in the north, specifically in districts such as Porto and Braga. The last name is less frequent in other countries, with a few scattered instances in Latin American countries like Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, which could be attributed to historical immigration from Spain and Portugal. It's important to note that surnames can also have different origins or meanings in various regions, and further research may reveal additional insights into the history and geographical distribution of the name Moldes.
Variants and spellings of the last name Moldes
The surname Moldes can be spelled in various ways depending on regional pronunciation and personal preference. Some common variations include Moulds, Mouldess, Moldez, Moldess, Mouleaux, and Mouldes. Each variation may have its origins in different countries or regions, with the base name potentially deriving from occupations such as mold maker, molder of clay, or related to a specific geographical location. It is essential to note that surnames can be influenced by historical events, migrations, and changes in language over time, resulting in numerous spellings for a single family name. Therefore, it is always possible to find other unique variations of the Moldes surname.
Famous people with the last name Moldes
Notable individuals with the surname Moldes include:
1. Juan Carlos Maldonado (born 1968), a Chilean-American professional tennis player who reached a career-high singles ranking of World No. 35 in 1994. He also represented the United States Davis Cup team.
2. Ana Paula Moldes (born 1976), a Brazilian singer and actress, best known for her participation in the reality show "Popstars" in 2000, which led to her becoming a member of the pop group Rouge.
3. Antonio Moles (1853-1934), a Spanish philosopher and logician, considered one of the most important figures in the development of modern Spanish philosophy. He was a professor at the University of Valencia and the Madrid Central University.
4. Carlos Moldes y Serrano (1832-1895), a Spanish painter who specialized in marine scenes and landscapes, particularly of his native Galicia. His works are housed in various museums, including the Prado Museum in Madrid.
5. Pilar Mujica Moldes (born 1964), a Uruguayan politician who served as the Minister of Housing, Territory, and Urban Planning from March 2015 to March 2018. She is a member of the Broad Front party.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning tennis, music, philosophy, art, and politics.
Genealogical research on the last name Moldes
The surname Moldes originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Portugal and Spain, where it is believed to have Moorish origins due to its similarity to several Arabic place names in the region. One notable variant of the name is "Mouzinho," which means "little Moor" in Portuguese. Early records show that Moldes was first documented in Galicia, a northwestern province of Spain, in the Middle Ages. During this period, many families bearing this name moved across the border to Portugal, where they became prominent figures in the region's history. One such example is the Moldes family from Guimarães, who played significant roles in the Portuguese Reconquista and the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal. The name has since dispersed across Europe, with notable bearers found in France, Italy, and other countries, primarily due to migrations during the Age of Discoveries and later colonial periods.
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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