Last Name Palomo

The surname "Palomo" is of Spanish origin and is derived from the occupational name for a shepherd, "el pastor" (the shepherd) in Latin. The name evolved over time to become "el pala-mio," which eventually shortened to "Palomo." This surname is common in Spain, Mexico, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to the historical influence of the Roman Catholic Church and Spanish colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Palomo

The meaning and origin of the last name Palomo

The surname Palomo is of Spanish origin, derived from the diminutive form of the given name Pablo, which means "tomb" or "celebrated one" in Hebrew. The name Pablo became popular in medieval Spain due to the influence of Saint Paul (San Pablo in Spanish). Over time, the surname Palomo emerged as a patronymic or geographical name for someone who was the son of Pablo, or lived near a place named after this saint. The suffix "-o" is a common ending for Spanish surnames, indicating masculine gender and lack of aristocratic lineage. Today, Palomo is a relatively common surname in Spain, as well as among Hispanic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Palomo

The surname Palomo is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, and Andalusia, reflecting its origins from these areas. However, due to migration and colonization over the centuries, variations of the name have also spread across South America, notably in countries like Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico. In some instances, Palomo is also present in Portugal, as a result of historical connections between the two nations. Additionally, there are smaller populations with this surname in the United States and other parts of Europe, primarily due to Spanish immigration during the 20th century.

Variants and spellings of the last name Palomo

The surname Palomo has several variations and spellings across different regions and linguistic influences. Some common variants include:

1. Palomino - A more frequent variation, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and among people with Hispanic heritage.
2. Palamino - A less common variant of the surname Palomo.
3. Palumbo - An Italian-origin surname that may be unrelated to Palomo but shares a similar sound.
4. Palomba - Another Italian-origin surname, different from Palomo and Palumbo.
5. Palamon - A medieval English name that is not directly related to Palomo, although it has a similar phonetic structure.
6. Palloma - A rare variation of the surname Palomo.
7. Palumett - A possible misspelling or alternative spelling of Palomino.
8. Palummett - Another possible variant or misspelling of Palomino.
9. Palumette - A French-origin surname, different from Palomo and Palumbo.
10. Palummo - An Italian-origin surname that may be unrelated to Palomo but shares a similar sound.

It's important to note that these variations may also have distinct meanings or origins separate from the Spanish surname Palomo.

Famous people with the last name Palomo

Notable individuals with the surname Palomo include:

1. Antonio Palomino y Velázquez (1654-1726), a Spanish Baroque painter, art historian, and theologian known for his book "El Museo Pictorio".

2. Fernando Palomo (born 1980), a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for CD Leganés.

3. Francisco Javier Sánchez-Palomo (born 1967), a Spanish astronaut and engineer who was selected by the European Space Agency in 2009.

4. Juan Palomo (1883-1958), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Veracruz from 1936 to 1938.

5. José María Palomo (born 1977), a Spanish professional road bicycle racer, active from 2001 to 2014.

6. Laura Palomo (born 1987), a Spanish actress known for her roles in "El internado" and "Cuerpo de élite".

7. María Isabel Salinas Palomo (born 1951), a Mexican politician who served as Governor of Veracruz from 2016 to 2021.

8. Raúl Palomino (born 1974), a Peruvian professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs and the Peru national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Palomo

The surname Palomo originates from the Basque region, specifically in the Spanish provinces of Alava and Guipuzcoa. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Pablo, which means "small" or "humble." The name began to be recorded during the Middle Ages, with one of the earliest known bearers being Martin Sanchez de Palomar, who lived in the 16th century.

The Palomo family migrated to South America, particularly to Argentina and Mexico, during the colonial era. Notable Palomo descendants include Juan Nepomuceno Palomo, a Mexican painter, and Jorge Luis Palomo, an Argentine football player. In the United States, the name has become more common, with a significant number of Palomos originating from Spain settling in Florida and Texas in the 19th century. The Palomo family tree is vast and varied, with many branches spread across different continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Palomo"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends