Last Name Pantera

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pantera

The meaning and origin of the last name Pantera

The surname Pantera is Italian and Spanish in origin. It derives from the word "pantera," which translates to 'leopard' or 'panther' in English. This surname could have been given to someone who had features reminiscent of a panther, symbolized bravery like the animal, or was associated with the hunting and trapping of these large felines. The Pantera family name is also found in Portugal, where it may have different origins or meanings, such as referring to a vendor of pans (bread baking dishes) due to its phonetic similarity. Over time, the distribution of the surname has expanded beyond Italy, Spain, and Portugal, with notable Panteras in other parts of Europe and the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pantera

The last name Pantera is predominantly of Spanish and Italian origin, reflecting the geographical distribution of these two nations. In Spain, it is most commonly found in regions such as Galicia, Castilla y León, and Catalonia, with significant concentrations also observed in Aragon, Extremadura, and Valencia. The name is less prevalent but still present in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. In Italy, the name Pantera can be found across several regions including Tuscany, Lombardy, and Piedmont. It's worth noting that the name has also been introduced to other parts of the world due to migration, with notable communities in the United States, Brazil, Canada, and various European countries. The global diaspora of the Pantera family name showcases the historical connections between Spain, Italy, and their cultural influences worldwide.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pantera

The surname Pantera, which originates from the Italian language, signifies 'panther', has several variations and spellings in different countries and regions. Some of these include:

* Panter (English)
* Pantera (Italian)
* Pantiera (Sicilian dialect)
* Panthera (Latin)
* De Pantera or del Pantera (Italian with a prefix indicating 'of the panther')
* Le Pantera, Les Panteras (French feminine and plural forms)
* De la Pantera, El Pantera (Spanish with a prefix indicating 'of the panther', and masculine form respectively)
* Pantera-Szűcs (Hungarian compound surname meaning 'panther tailor')
* Пантера (Pantera in Cyrillic script for Russian or other Slavic languages)

These variations may also appear with diacritics, depending on the specific language and regional dialect.

Famous people with the last name Pantera

The Pantera family is associated with notable figures in various fields, particularly in music and sports. One of the most recognized members is Dimebag Darrell Abbott (born Darrell Lance Abbott), professionally known as Dimebag Darrell, who was a guitarist and songwriter best known for his work with the heavy metal band Pantera. He also played for Damageplan and helmed the solo project Dimebag's Army of Darkness. Tragically, he was murdered onstage in 2004. Another notable figure is P. J. (Paul) Pantera, a former professional basketball player who spent eight seasons in the NBA, playing for the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks. He also coached in the NBA and WNBA. Additionally, the family has had other athletes, including Major League Baseball player Vicente Romualdo Pantera.

Genealogical research on the last name Pantera

The surname Pantera originates from Italy, specifically the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, where it is believed to have been first used as a nickname for someone who was an agile and strong panther-like figure. The name can be traced back to the late Middle Ages. Some early records show that in 1370, a man named "Pietro de la Pantera" lived in Milan, Italy. Over time, the family migrated to other parts of Europe, with significant populations found in Spain during the Spanish Inquisition and later in France and Germany. The Panteras also emigrated to South America, primarily Brazil and Argentina, in the 16th and 17th centuries as part of European colonization efforts. Today, the name Pantera is most common in Italy, Brazil, and the United States, reflecting the family's dispersal over time and continents. The genealogy of the Pantera family is rich and varied, with numerous branches spanning multiple countries and continents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pantera"
• 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