Last Name Olla

Learn more about the origin of the last name Olla

The meaning and origin of the last name Olla

The surname Olla is derived from Old French "eauille," meaning "eel." It's a topographic name for someone who lived by a place where eels were common or perhaps an occupational name for a fisherman specializing in catching eels. Over time, the spelling evolved to the modern variations seen today, such as Olla, Oller, and Ollie, due to regional dialects and scribes' interpretations. The surname is most prevalent in Spain and Portugal but can also be found in other parts of Europe and among Spanish-speaking communities around the world. It's important to note that the exact origin of a specific instance of the surname may vary depending on historical records and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Olla

The surname Olla is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, reflecting its Iberian origins. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the regions of Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, and Valencia. Within these regions, specific provinces such as Teruel, Toledo, Barcelona, and Alicante exhibit higher concentrations of the surname. In Portugal, Olla is also common, particularly in the northern region of Porto. The name may have migrated from Spain to Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil, due to historical influences and population movements. Beyond Iberia, there are significant populations of people with the last name Olla in Latin American countries like Mexico and Venezuela. Additionally, small communities with this surname can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish or Portuguese migrants have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Olla

The surname Olla, of Spanish origin, has several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and regional dialects. Here are some common versions:

1. Olla - This is the most traditional and commonly used version of the name.
2. Aulla - A variant that originated from a misspelling or mispronunciation, especially in English-speaking regions.
3. Olha - A Portuguese variation of the surname.
4. Ola - A possible typographical error or simplified version of the name.
5. Ulla - An abbreviated form or alternative spelling.
6. Holla - A phonetic variation, particularly found among English speakers trying to pronounce foreign names.
7. Aula - A misspelling or misinterpretation that can be found in some cases.
8. Ulloa - This is a Spanish patronymic surname derived from the given name Ulises and means "descendant of Ulises." It is not exactly the same as Olla but shares a similar origin.
9. De Olla - A Hispanicized form that adds the definite article "de" before the surname, creating a compound name.
10. La Olla - A feminine Spanish variant, which can also refer to a cooking pot in Spanish.

Famous people with the last name Olla

The Olla family has produced several notable figures in various fields. In the world of sports, Jose Mota Olla, a Spanish professional baseball player, played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 1987 to 2001 and was inducted into the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame. In the realm of literature, Juan Oller (1854-1936) was a renowned Puerto Rican writer, poet, and educator who co-founded the literary magazine La Democracia. Additionally, Maria Isabel Oleaga Olla, a Spanish politician, served as the Minister of Health, Social Services, and Equality from 2018 to 2019. In the realm of music, Miguel Olaizola, better known by his stage name Miguelfan, is a popular Basque musician who has released several albums and won multiple awards. Lastly, Marisol Orellana-Olla, an American biologist, is best known for her work on the genetics of Drosophila melanogaster.

Genealogical research on the last name Olla

The surname Olla, originating from the Basque region in Spain and the French Pyrenees, is believed to have derived from the Latin word "olla," meaning pot or cooking pot. In Basque-speaking areas, it may be a variant of Iza or Ibarguren, meaning new village. The Olla family has a notable presence in Navarre and the Basque provinces of Spain. Among the earliest records, Juan Martinez Olla is mentioned as a witness to a royal charter in 1366 during the reign of King Pedro I of Castile. In France, the Ollas were nobles in Bearn during the Middle Ages and were involved in court politics. The family has also been found in Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States due to migration from Spain and France. Notable individuals bearing the name include Spanish poet Francisco de Olla (16th century) and Argentine politician Juan Domingo Olla (19th century).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "olla"
• 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 : 26 July 2025