The surname Mortera is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from the medieval occupation name "mortero," which referred to a mason who mixed and shaped clay into bricks. This occupational name was often given to individuals whose profession was connected to construction work, such as bricklaying. In some cases, it could also have been a nickname for a person with a sturdy build or one who was strong and robust, similar to the characteristics needed for masonry work. The surname Mortera has multiple variations in different regions, including Mortero, Mortera, Mortari, and others.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Mortera
The meaning and origin of the last name Mortera
The surname Mortera is of Spanish origin, derived from a variety of sources. One possible origin is from the medieval Latin term "mortarium," meaning a pestle or mortar used for grinding substances in cooking. This was later Hispanicized into the Spanish word "mortero." Another theory suggests that it may have originated from the village of Morteros, located in La Rioja, Spain, which might have led to the adoption of this surname among its inhabitants. The usage and spelling variations of the surname may have evolved over time due to migration patterns and phonetic changes.
Geographical distribution of the last name Mortera
The surname Mortera has a significant presence in various regions, particularly in Spain and Portugal, due to its origin from these countries. In Spain, it is most common in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, and Extremadura, reflecting historical migration patterns. In Portugal, it is notably found in the northern region of Minho and the central regions of Lisbon and Alentejo. The name also has a presence in other parts of the world, primarily among Spanish and Portuguese immigrants and their descendants. For example, in the United States, Florida, California, and New Jersey have high concentrations of individuals with the surname Mortera, likely due to historical waves of immigration from Spain and Portugal. Similarly, in Brazil, particularly in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the name has a notable presence among descendants of immigrants from those countries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Mortera
The surname Mortera has several variations and spelling derivatives due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and family lineage. Some common variants include Mora Tera, Moreta, Morat, Morta, and Moratt. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is often spelled as Motta or Mottero. These variations may stem from changes in pronunciation or orthography over time, as well as the influence of different linguistic traditions. It's important to note that these variations might lead to multiple family lines with similar surnames, though they share a common root: Mortera.
Famous people with the last name Mortera
Notable individuals with the surname Mortera include:
1. José Mortera (born 1948), a Spanish former professional footballer who played as a striker and made over 200 appearances for Atlético Madrid.
2. Juan Manuel Mortera (born 1970), a retired Uruguayan footballer, known for his time at Liverpool F.C., Real Zaragoza, and the Uruguay national team.
3. Francisco Mortera Mañas (1868-1954), a Spanish painter from the Generation of 1898, renowned for his symbolist works.
4. Carlos Mortera (born 1972), a Chilean former footballer who played as a goalkeeper and represented both Colo-Colo and the Chile national team.
5. Francisco Javier Mortera Quesada (born 1963), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Economy and Finance from 2018 to 2020 under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Genealogical research on the last name Mortera
The surname Mortera originates from medieval Spain, specifically the region of Catalonia. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "mortier," meaning mortar or pestle, indicating a craftsman who worked with these tools. The name first appeared in historical records during the late Middle Ages, with notable early bearers such as Peter Morteria who lived in Barcelona around 1300.
The Mortera family expanded and migrated throughout Spain and its colonies during the centuries that followed. Notable figures include Juan de Mortera, a 16th-century Spanish explorer who accompanied Hernán Cortés to Mexico, and Andrés Mortera y Luna, a 19th-century Colombian politician and writer.
The surname also spread to other parts of the world due to historical events such as the Spanish colonial expansion and migrations during the 20th century. Today, Morteras can be found in various countries, including Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and the United States, preserving their ancestral roots while adapting to diverse cultures.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Mora" is of Italian and Spanish origin. In Italian, it is derived from the Latin word "mora," meaning "mulberry." Mulberry trees and their fruits were historically i...
The last name "Mora Arjona" is of Spanish origin. The surname "Mora" refers to a place name, specifically a town or village called Mora in Spain. The surname "Arjona" is also of Sp...
The surname "Mora Lozano" is of Spanish origin. "Mora" is a surname of toponymic origin, deriving from the Spanish word for "blackberry" or "mulberry tree", while "Lozano" is a sur...
The surname "Mora Mohan" appears to be of Indian origin. "Mora" is a common surname in India, particularly among the Telugu-speaking community. "Mohan" is a popular Indian given na...
The last name Moraal has Dutch origins. It is derived from the word "moral" which means "moral" or "ethical" in Dutch. This surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who ...
The last name Morabit is of Arabic origin. It is a common surname in the North African countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The name likely originates from the Arabic word "...
The surname "Morabito" is of Italian origin. It comes from the Latin word 'murus' meaning 'wall', and the suffix '-bito' which indicates a person who was associated with or lived n...
The surname "Morache" is believed to have originated in Quebec, Canada. It is likely a variation of the French surname "Morache," which may have originated from the French word "mo...
The surname Moradel is a French occupational name derived from the Old French "moraudel," meaning "keeper of the mill" or "miller." It comes from the Proto-Germanic "murodali," whi...
The last name Moradkhan is of Persian origin. It is a combination of the words "Morad" which means desired or wished for, and "Khan" which is a common suffix in Persian surnames de...
The surname "Morady Nasab" is of Persian origin. It is a compound surname consisting of "Morady" and "Nasab", which may denote a person's lineage, pedigree, or family background in...
The last name "Morag" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "mor," meaning "big" or "great." In Scotland, it is a locational surname referencing someone who liv...
The last name "Moragana" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name "Moro," which means dark-skinned or Moorish, and the suffix "-gana," which indicates possession ...
