Last Name Paterna

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paterna

The meaning and origin of the last name Paterna

The surname Paterna is of Latin origin, derived from the word "pater," which means 'father' in English. Originating in ancient Rome, it was often given to children born into paternal families or those who were adopted by their fathers. Over time, as Roman civilization spread and evolved, so did the use and distribution of surnames like Paterna. In many cases, these names were carried forward by families for generations, serving as a symbolic reminder of their origins or lineage. Today, the surname Paterna is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, where it has been passed down through the centuries and continues to be an important part of personal identity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paterna

The surname Paterna is primarily distributed across Spain and Portuguese-speaking countries, notably in Spain's Valencia region, where it is among the most common surnames. It also has significant presence in regions like Castile-La Mancha and Catalonia, reflecting its historical roots in these areas. In Portugal, it is less frequent but still found, particularly in northern regions such as Minho and Douro. Additionally, there are significant Paterna populations in the Americas due to Spanish and Portuguese colonialism and immigration. The United States and Cuba have substantial communities of people bearing this surname. Smaller groups can also be found in other Latin American countries and in some parts of Europe where Spanish or Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as Argentina, Brazil, France, Italy, and Germany.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paterna

The surname Paterna has several variations and spellings across different regions and time periods. Some common spelling variations include Paterna, Paaterna, and Paternas. In some cases, the name may also be found as the patronymic form "Son of the father" such as Paderno or Paderna. Additionally, it can be hyphenated as Pater-na, Paterna-s, or Pater'na. These variations often arise due to spelling reforms, regional dialects, or errors in transcription during historical records. It is essential to consider these variations when conducting genealogical research or investigations related to the Paterna family name.

Famous people with the last name Paterna

Notable individuals bearing the surname Paterna include:

1. Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda Paterno y Zaldivar (commonly known as José Rizal), a Filipino nationalist, author, and polymath who is considered the Philippines' national hero for his pivotal role in inciting the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule.
2. Félix Paterna y Sánchez-Mahó (1867-1930), a Spanish painter known for his Impressionist works and landscapes, particularly those of the Mediterranean coast and the island of Ibiza where he was born.
3. José Paterna y Rodríguez de Aponte (1745–1817), a slave owner from Puerto Rico who played a key role in the Haitian Revolution by arming, training, and leading an army of enslaved Africans against Spanish rule on the island.
4. Manuel Paterna y Godoy (1928-2022), a Spanish writer and journalist, best known for his work as the founding editor of the newspaper El País and his contributions to democratic journalism in Spain during the country's transition to democracy following the death of Francisco Franco.
5. Antonio Paterna (1654–1730/32), an Italian composer and musician who was a pioneer in the development of opera seria, one of the most prominent styles of opera during the Baroque period.

Genealogical research on the last name Paterna

The surname Paterna originates from the Latin word "pater," meaning father. It was likely used as an occupational name for someone who played a paternal role, such as a godfather or a head of a household. The earliest records of the family name Paterna can be traced back to medieval Spain, particularly in the regions of Aragon and Castile. One notable individual with this surname was Juan Paterna, a Spanish writer known for his gothic novels during the Romantic era. In Italy, the Paterna family is believed to have originated from Paterno Calabro, a town in the province of Catanzaro, Calabria. Throughout history, various branches of the Paterna family have settled across Europe and the Americas, contributing significantly to their respective societies in art, literature, politics, and more. Today, individuals with the surname Paterna can be found worldwide, with a significant number in Spain, Italy, and Latin America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Paterna"
• 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