Last Name Palmas

The surname "Palmas" has multiple origins. It is a common Spanish and Portuguese surname that derives from a place name, typically denoting someone who was born in or came from a location called Palma or Palmas. In Spain, the town of Palma de Mallorca is a well-known source of this surname. In Portugal, the municipalities of Palma de Cima and Palma de Baixa in Aveiro district are places where families with this name originate. The surname can also be found among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and settled in various parts of Europe and the Mediterranean, including Portugal, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. In these cases, "Palmas" could have been a transliteration of the Hebrew name "Paltiel," meaning "of God's portion." Additionally, in Italian, "palma" means palm tree, so it is possible that the surname originated from someone who lived near or was associated with such a location. However, without more specific context or information about a particular family, it's difficult to definitively say where the Palmas surname originates for every individual with this name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Palmas

The meaning and origin of the last name Palmas

The surname Palmas originates from Spain, specifically the region of Andalusia, where it is most commonly found. It is derived from the Spanish word "palma," which means palm tree. This surname likely was originally used to identify someone who lived near a palm tree or had some association with them, such as a craftsperson who worked with palm wood. The name may also have been a metaphorical reference to a strong and resilient individual, much like the palm tree itself. Over time, the Palmas surname has spread beyond Spain and can now be found among people of Spanish descent in various parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Palmas

The surname Palmas has a significant presence in various regions across Spain, particularly in Galicia and Valencia, reflecting its historical roots in those autonomous communities. It is also common in the Canary Islands due to their Spanish heritage. Beyond Spain, Palmas is found in several countries with sizable Spanish-speaking populations, such as Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, a smaller number of individuals bearing this name can be found in other parts of Latin America and the United States, where Spanish immigration has occurred over centuries. Furthermore, due to global migration patterns, there are Palmas families residing in various countries worldwide, with concentrations in major cities like New York, Miami, Madrid, and Mexico City.

Variants and spellings of the last name Palmas

The surname Palmas has various spellings and variations. Some common versions include Palma, Palmez, Palmet, Palmés, Palmes, and Palmitz. It originates from Spain, where it is most commonly found in the regions of Andalusia, Valencia, and Murcia. The name may derive from several sources, including the Spanish word for palm tree ("palma"), or a local place name containing the same root. Another theory suggests that the name could be a metonymic occupational surname for someone who worked with palms, such as a basket weaver or a palm-leaf roofer. Regardless of its origin, the Palmas/Palma lineage has been traced back to several regions in Spain, with many descendants now living around the world.

Famous people with the last name Palmas

Notable individuals with the surname Palmas include: 1. José Palma y Melian (1823-1894), a Cuban general and politician who served as president from 1874 to 1876. 2. Eduardo Palma (born 1950), a Chilean economist, academic, and politician who was the Minister of Finance during the government of President Sebastián Piñera. 3. Juan Palmas (1878-1944), a Spanish composer known for his zarzuelas, musical theater pieces that combine elements of opera, popular music, and dance. 4. Manuel Palma (born 1959), a Spanish footballer who played as a striker, with notable spells at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in La Liga. He is also the father of current Real Madrid player Brahim Díaz. 5. Jorge Palmas (born 1970), a Spanish journalist and television presenter best known for his work on the news program 'Televisión Española'. 6. Daniela Palma (born 1984), an Argentine model and actress who has appeared in various telenovelas, including 'Flor-Secreto de una Madre' and 'La Casa de al Lado'.

Genealogical research on the last name Palmas

The surname Palmas originated from Spain, specifically in the region of Galicia, where it was first recorded during the late Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from various places named "Palma" or "Palmas" within the region, which could mean 'palm tree' in Spanish. Over time, this surname spread across Spain and other regions, particularly due to religious and economic migrations. In the 15th and 16th centuries, many Palmas families emigrated to America, mainly to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, as a result of the Spanish colonization. In the 17th century, some branches migrated to Central and South America, contributing to the diversification of this surname worldwide. Throughout history, notable individuals with the Palmas surname have been found in various fields such as politics, arts, and sciences across Europe, North and South America. In contemporary times, research on the Palmas genealogy is ongoing, as family historians continue to uncover more connections among the descendants of this ancient Spanish lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Palmas"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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