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Last Name Naula

What is the origin of the last name Naula?

The last name "Naula" is of Basque origin. It is one of many surnames that are unique to the Basque region, a historic area located on the northern coast of Spain and southwestern France. The Basque language is unrelated to any other in Europe, adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding this fascinating culture. The exact meaning of "Naula" can vary depending on regional variations within the Basque language, but it generally refers to a place or a type of tree.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Naula

The meaning and origin of the last name Naula

The surname Naula is primarily found among the Basque population, a historical cultural group predominantly residing in the Basque Country, which spans parts of Spain and France. The name is believed to have originated from the Basque word "Nahula," meaning "the one who lives on the slope." It's one of the many traditional Basque surnames that were geographically descriptive, reflecting the mountainous terrain of their homeland. Over time, as Basques migrated or assimilated into other cultures, variations of the name Naula emerged, such as Navarro, Navas, and Navarra in Spanish-speaking regions. The name remains a testament to the rich history and distinct identity of the Basque people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Naula

The surname Naula has been predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Valencia and Catalonia, suggesting a historical connection to these areas. The highest concentration is observed in the provinces of Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón, indicating a strong presence in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, some instances of the surname Naula can be found in other parts of Spain as well, but the density decreases significantly outside these regions. A small number of people with this last name are also found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, due to historical migrations from Spain. Overall, the geographical distribution of Naula is primarily concentrated in Spain and its former colonies in Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Naula

The surname Naula, or its variations, possesses diverse spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and spelling conventions over time. Here are some possible variations: * Naule (pronounced "noo-lay") * Nualla (pronounced "nuh-ah-lah") * Noala (pronounced "noo-ah-lah") * Naulla (pronounced "nah-uh-lah") * Nuala (pronounced "new-lah") * Nualla (pronounced "nuh-aw-lah") * Noallah (pronounced "noo-ahlah") * Naullah (pronounced "nah-uh-lah") These variations can be found in various countries, reflecting the global dispersal of individuals bearing this surname.

Famous people with the last name Naula

Notable individuals bearing the surname Naula include: 1. Juan Carlos Naula, a Peruvian politician who served as Minister of Defense from 2006 to 2007 and as the President of the National Jury of Elections in Peru from 2009 to 2011. 2. Pablo Naula, a Mexican artist known for his work in graphic design, illustration, and animation. He has won several awards, including an Emmy for his work on the animated series "El Mundo de la Imaginación." 3. Maribel Verdú Naula, a Spanish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, most notably "Yo soy Bea" (2016) and "La Casa de Papel" (Money Heist) (2017-present). 4. Jhonny Naula, a Colombian professional footballer who has played for clubs such as Atlético Nacional, Deportivo Táchira, and Independiente Medellín. 5. Rómulo Oquendo Naula, a Peruvian journalist, politician, and former member of the Popular Christian Party. He served as the President of the Peruvian Congress from 2016 to 2017. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, art, sports, and journalism, reflecting the diverse talents and achievements among those with the surname Naula.

Genealogical research on the last name Naula

The surname Naula is primarily found in Spain and Portugal, with origins traceable to medieval times. In Spain, it originated from the regions of Aragon, Catalonia, and Valencia, where it was first documented in the 10th century as a variant of the Visigothic name "Nulfo." Over time, it evolved into several different forms, including Naules, Naulés, Nuñez, and Nuño. In Portugal, the surname can be traced to the Moorish invasion in the 8th century, where it was adopted as a nickname for someone who was nimble or agile, derived from the Arabic word "na'ul" meaning "to twist." Over time, this name was Hispanicized to Naula. Throughout history, the Naula family has produced notable figures, including the Spanish knight Juan Naula, who fought against the Moors in the 13th century, and the Portuguese philosopher Manuel Náuja, who contributed significantly to the Renaissance. Today, the surname can be found around the world, with a significant presence in Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 13 June 2025

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