Last Name Nozal

The surname Nozal is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a variety of possible sources. One origin suggests that it comes from a place named Nojal, which is located in the province of Cantabria, Spain. Another possibility is that it could have originated as a nickname for someone who was short-sighted or had a hooked nose, as "noz" means "nose" in Spanish. Lastly, it could also be a variant of the Basque surname Nogal, meaning "walnut tree." Like many surnames, its exact origin can sometimes be challenging to trace due to variations in spelling and changes in naming conventions over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Nozal

The meaning and origin of the last name Nozal

The surname Nozal is of Spanish origin, derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a nozzle or tap on a water conduit or mill. It comes from the Old Spanish word "nozal," meaning "tap" or "faucet." This surname can also be traced back to the medieval Latin term "nasus," which means "nose." The name may have been used metaphorically, symbolizing someone with a sharp or nosey character. Over time, the spelling has evolved through various regional dialects and transcriptions, leading to the modern variant, Nozal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nozal

The surname Nozal has a primarily Spanish origin and is most prevalent in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Castile-Leon. It is also common in Portugal, especially in the northern region of Minho which borders Galicia. Emigrants from these regions have distributed the surname to other countries, notably in Latin America such as Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba, due to historical colonial ties. In some parts of the United States, particularly California and Texas, where there is a high concentration of Spanish speakers, Nozal can also be found. There are smaller communities with the surname in other European countries like France, Italy, and Germany, due to migration from Spain or Portugal over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nozal

The surname Nozal has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic interpretation over time and across regions. Some common variations include Nozal, Noceal, Nuzael, Nuzail, Nuçal, Noçal, Nocal, Nozzele, Nozzelle, Nozzell, Nozzi, Nozel, Noseal, Nozeille, Nozelli, Nozzolo, and Nozzolini. These variations stem from the original Spanish surname derived from the occupational name for a grinder, 'el mozo del molino' (the mill worker), or from the place names such as Nuzaelles in France and Nosal in Slovenia.

Famous people with the last name Nozal

Notable individuals with the surname Nozal include:

1. Carlos Nozal (born 1948), a Mexican economist and former Secretary of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico.
2. Ignacio Nozal (born 1963), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Employment and Social Security in the Second Government of Mariano Rajoy.
3. José Nozal (1884-1950), a Mexican architect known for his contributions to modernist architecture in Mexico City.
4. Juan Carlos Nozal (born 1956), a Spanish journalist, writer, and television presenter.
5. Lola Nozal (born 1972), a Spanish former professional tennis player.
6. Manuel Nozal (born 1938), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Yucatán from 1988 to 1994.
7. Pilar Nozal (born 1950), a Spanish politician and member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, economics, architecture, journalism, literature, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Nozal

The surname Nozal is of Spanish origin, derived from various geographical locations in Spain, most notably a small town named Nozaleda in the province of Cordoba and the valley of Noza in the province of Burgos. The name is believed to be associated with places named after the plant 'noz' or 'nut tree'. The earliest recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 15th century, with figures like Pedro Martinez de Nozal appearing in historical records from Cordoba. The Nozal family expanded throughout Spain and later emigrated to Latin America during the colonization period. Notable figures with the Nozal surname include Juan Nozaleda, a 17th-century Spanish composer, and Manuel Nozal, a contemporary Mexican painter. The Nozal lineage continues to be predominantly found in Spain and Latin America, with significant populations also present in the United States due to migration during the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Nozal"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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