Last Name Panela

The surname "Panela" has its origins in Spain and Portugal, derived from the Latin word "panis," meaning bread, or the Old Spanish term "panal" which means honeycomb. Over time, it became a metonymy for the occupations related to making sugar from honeycombs, as "panela" refers to unrefined whole cane sugar in Spanish-speaking regions. It's important to note that surnames originated as a way for people to identify themselves and their families, often taking names from their occupation, place of origin, or notable characteristics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Panela

The meaning and origin of the last name Panela

The surname Panela is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "panela," which means "loaf" or "cake" in Spanish. This surname was often used for bakers or confectioners due to its association with sugar loaves, as panela is also a term for unrefined sugar blocks popular in Latin America. In some instances, it may have been a geographical name, referring to a place known for sugar production. The Panela surname is most prevalent in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, but can be found globally among the Spanish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Panela

The last name Panela is predominantly distributed across Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and several Latin American nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Puerto Rico. It is also found to some extent in Portugal due to historical ties with Spain. In the United States, a significant number of people carrying the surname Panela are of Hispanic or Latino origin. The name, derived from the Spanish word for 'loaf of bread' or 'sugar candy', reflects its geographical concentration among Spanish and Portuguese-speaking populations. It is important to note that the distribution of surnames can be influenced by various factors including historical migration patterns, religious conversion, and colonial rule.

Variants and spellings of the last name Panela

The surname Panela, which is of Spanish origin, can have several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, translation, or transcription errors over time. Common spelling variants include: Pañal, Panele, Panella, Panelle, Panelae, Panell, Panelas, and Paneles. These variations may arise from regional dialects, personal preferences, or historical influences. The name is derived from the Spanish word for sugar loaf or candy, "panela," but it can also refer to a bread-making mold in some regions, reflecting its geographical and cultural origins.

Famous people with the last name Panela

Notable individuals with the surname "Panela" include:

1. **Pedro Panela** (born 1967), a Mexican footballer who played as a forward, winning two CONCACAF Gold Cups in 1993 and 1996, representing Mexico in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and scoring over 200 career goals.

2. **José Panela** (born 1982), a Spanish actor and comedian, best known for his roles in various Spanish television series such as "Águila Roja" and "Tiempo de Valor."

3. **Santiago Panela** (1895-1976), a Mexican painter, sculptor, and muralist who was a member of the Mexican Muralism movement, collaborating with Diego Rivera on several murals including those at the National Palace in Mexico City.

4. **Vicente Panela** (1835-1906), a Spanish military officer who played a key role in suppressing the Cuban War of Independence and was Governor-General of Cuba from 1879 to 1882.

5. **Pilar Lorena Ruiz de Panela** (born 1964), also known as "La Venada," a Spanish bullfighter who won the Premio Hemingway in 2003 and was named "Best Bullfighter" by the Spanish Academy of Bullfighting in 2005.

Genealogical research on the last name Panela

The surname Panela, of Spanish origin, is commonly associated with the production and trade of sugarcane products, specifically panelas, traditional unglazed clay pots used for cooking and processing sugar cane juice into various sweet goods. The name's etymology can be traced back to the Old French "pandole" or Latin "panis dolum," meaning "sweet bread."

The earliest recorded instances of the Panela surname appear in the Iberian Peninsula during the late Middle Ages, with notable bearers residing primarily in Castile and Aragon. Many Panela families emigrated to other parts of Europe, particularly Italy and France, due to economic opportunities or religious conflicts. The 16th century saw a significant number of Panelas migrating to the New World, particularly to Spanish America, where they contributed to the development of sugarcane agriculture and the refinement of panela, a type of raw, unrefined cane sugar.

Throughout history, various branches of the Panela family have settled in different regions, including Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico, among others. Some families also migrated to the United States during the 20th century, contributing to the multicultural fabric of North America. The genealogy of the Panela surname continues to be a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and cultural influences spanning centuries and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Panela"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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