Last Name Montiel

The surname Montiel originates from Spain. It is a locative surname derived from the medieval Spanish toponym "Montiel," which means "hilltop settlement" in Spanish, referring to a place named with this description. This surname was first used by individuals who lived near or were originally from such a location. The Montiel family name can be traced back to several towns in Spain, particularly in the region of La Mancha, and it has been carried by many prominent Spanish figures throughout history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Montiel

The meaning and origin of the last name Montiel

The surname Montiel is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the masculine given name "Montijo" or "Montejo," which translates to 'small hill' or 'mountain exposition'. Originating from the Iberian Peninsula, it emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals within feudal societies. As people migrated and settled in different regions, variations of the name also appeared, such as Montiel, Montijo, Montejo, etc. The surname Montiel is common across Spain and Latin America, being particularly prevalent in areas with strong Spanish influence, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. Over time, it has become a symbol of heritage and ancestry for many families carrying this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Montiel

The surname Montiel is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in regions such as Castile-La Mancha and Extremadura, where it is among the top 20 most common last names. In addition to Spain, significant populations bearing the name Montiel can also be found in Mexico, due to historical migration patterns from Spain to Latin America. The name also appears with some frequency in Argentina, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas. In the United States, the Montiel family name is present primarily among Hispanic communities, particularly in states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Montiel

The surname Montiel has various spellings and pronunciations across different regions. In English, it is commonly spelled as "Montiel," but it may also appear as "Monteel," "Montiell," or "Montioll" in some cases. In Spanish, the name can be pronounced with an accent on the 'e' (Monti'el) or without an accent (Montiél). Other possible variations include Montiel de la Cruz, Montiel López, and Montiel Rodríguez, which are compound surnames where the first name is followed by a conjunction and another surname. The spelling and pronunciation may also vary depending on the country or region where it originates, with regional dialects influencing the orthography. It's essential to understand that these variations represent the same last name despite differences in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Montiel

Notable individuals bearing the surname Montiel include:

1. Carlos Montiel (born 1980), an Argentine footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Rosario Central and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, as well as the Argentina national team.

2. Francisco Javier Montiel Pérez (born 1976), a Spanish professional road racing cyclist. He has won several stages in the Vuelta a España and Giro d'Italia, and also participated in the 2004 Summer Olympics.

3. Julio Montiel (1853-1938), a Mexican painter who was part of the Mexican Modernist School. He is best known for his landscapes and portraits, particularly those depicting his native state of Jalisco.

4. Juan Montiel (born 1960), a Spanish retired footballer who played as a forward. He spent most of his career with Real Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and the European Cup in 1985-86.

5. Raúl Montiel (born 1943), a Mexican former professional boxer who held the WBA featherweight title from 1970 to 1973. He is considered one of the greatest Mexican fighters of all time.

Genealogical research on the last name Montiel

The Montiel surname, originating from Spain, has a rich and diverse history. It is derived from the Latin "monticulum," meaning "little hill." The earliest records trace the Montiel lineage to medieval Castile, where the family held notable positions in regional courts during the 12th and 13th centuries. Notable Montiel descendants include Pedro Martínez de Montalbán y Montiel, who served as the Viceroy of Peru from 1639-1648, and Francisco de los Cobos y Montija, a key advisor to King Charles I of Spain during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The Montiel family also migrated to Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish colonies throughout the New World, establishing prominent lineages in those regions as well. Today, the Montiel surname is found worldwide, with significant populations in Spain, Latin America, the United States, and the Philippines.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Montiel"
• 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

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