Last Name Molina

The last name Molina is a common Spanish surname. It has its origins from various places across Spain but is most frequently associated with the regions of Castile and León, Galicia, and Extremadura. The name Molina, meaning "mill" or "grinding place," is derived from occupations related to milling grain, such as a miller or someone who worked at a mill. It's important to note that surnames like Molina were often associated with specific trades or places during the Middle Ages in Spain and Latin America, when families began using these names for identification purposes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Molina

The meaning and origin of the last name Molina

The surname Molina is of Spanish origin, deriving from the Latin word "mola" which means mill. It was often given to individuals who lived near or worked at a mill, as their occupation or location was associated with this object. In medieval Spain, the term was also used figuratively to denote someone who ground down or processed information, symbolizing a scholar or wise person. The surname Molina is prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries and regions, particularly Spain and Latin America, but it has also been adopted by people of various ethnic backgrounds throughout the world due to historical migrations and cultural assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Molina

The surname Molina is widely distributed across several countries, most notably Spain and Portugal. It originates from the Latin word "molina," meaning mill or miller. In Spain, it is particularly common in regions such as Andalusia, Extremadura, and Valencia. In Portugal, the name is frequent in areas like Alentejo, Minho, and Lisbon. Outside of Iberia, significant populations bearing the surname Molina can be found in Latin America, notably in Mexico, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, where it was brought over by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers. Smaller communities with the name can also be found in other countries, such as the United States, France, and Italy, due to migration and assimilation of people from Iberian backgrounds.

Variants and spellings of the last name Molina

The surname Molina has various spellings and pronunciations in different regions and languages. In English, it is commonly spelled as Molina, but it can also appear as Mollina, Muhlinas, Mullena, or even Mollineaux in historical records from different countries. It originates primarily from Spain, where it is pronounced [moˈliŋa] with the stress on the first syllable. In some Portuguese-speaking regions, the name can be Molhina or Molinha, while in Italian, it might be Molino. The name may refer to a mill or someone who works at a mill, derived from the Latin word "molinus," meaning "mill." The variations reflect its widespread use and historical migration patterns of people with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Molina

The Molina surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the realm of science, Raul Julian Molina is an Argentine-American physical chemist and Nobel laureate who shared the prize in Chemistry in 2002 for his work on quantum chemistry and the development of density functional theory. In entertainment, Jon Skeet Molina, known professionally as Jake Gyllenhaal, is an American actor and producer, best known for roles in films such as "Brokeback Mountain", "Donnie Darko", and "Southpaw". Another prominent figure is Raúl Julián Molina Tey, a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Mexico City from 2006 to 2012. Lastly, Héctor Luis Molina, an American professional baseball player, has enjoyed a successful career in Major League Baseball as a catcher for teams including the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. These individuals, hailing from different countries and professions, all share the Molina surname, adding to its rich tapestry of global achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Molina

The surname Molina originates from Spain and is one of the most common Spanish family names. It is derived from the place-name "Molina," which appears in various regions of Spain, including Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia. The name likely refers to a mill or a place where flour was produced. Notable figures with the last name Molina include musicians Cesária Évora and Carlos Santana, actor George Molina, and tennis player Gabriela Sabatini, all of whom have Portuguese or Latin American heritage. The Molina family has also made significant contributions to various fields, such as science, literature, and politics, throughout history. Genealogical research can help individuals trace their lineage back to the origins of the Molina name in Spain and uncover connections with other families who share this surname across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Molina"
• 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 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends