Last Name Paula-perez

The surname Paula-Perez is a combination of two separate Spanish family names. The surname "Paula" is a female given name derived from the Latin name Paula, which means "small" or "humble." It was often used as a saint's name in Christian countries, and it became a common surname among the Catholic population. The surname "Perez" is also of Spanish origin and has several possible meanings. One theory suggests that it may have originally referred to someone who lived near a pear tree orchard (Spanish: peral), while another theory connects it to the occupational name for a butcher (Spanish: carnicero), as "perro" means dog in Spanish, and butchers would use dogs to help them with their work. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins or variations, so this is just one possible explanation for the origin of the name Paula-Perez.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Paula-perez

The meaning and origin of the last name Paula-perez

The surname Paula-Perez is a composite Spanish name that results from combining two distinct Spanish surnames: Paula and Perez.

The surname Paula, like many Spanish surnames, originates from the personal names of biblical or historical figures. In this case, it is derived from the feminine form of the Latin name Paulus, which was common among early Christians and is believed to mean "small" or "humble."

Perez, on the other hand, is one of the most common surnames in Spain and is derived from the occupational name for a weaver. It comes from the Old Spanish word "perer," meaning "weaver."

It's worth noting that composite surnames are common in Hispanic cultures, as a result of various historical factors such as intermarriage, adoption of surnames based on local customs, and simplification or fusion of names during colonial times. The combination of Paula and Perez results in the modern Spanish surname Paula-Perez.

Geographical distribution of the last name Paula-perez

The surname Paula-Perez is predominantly distributed across Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries due to its combined origins from the female given name Paula and the patronymic surname Perez, which translates to "son of Peter" in Spanish and Portuguese. In Spain, it is most prevalent in regions such as Galicia, Castile, and Catalonia, reflecting the historical distribution of the given name Paula. In Portugal, it is found predominantly in northern areas like Porto and Aveiro. Beyond Europe, the surname Paula-Perez has also been disseminated by immigration to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, where it is now a common surname due to its Spanish and Portuguese roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Paula-perez

The surname Paula-Perez may have various spellings and variations due to differences in regional pronunciation, transliteration, or personal preference. Here are some possible alternative forms:

* Paule-Perez
* Paula Perez
* Paula-Perez de la Cruz
* Paula-Perez Garcia
* Paula-Perez Martinez
* Paula-Perez Rodriguez
* Paula-Peres (in Portuguese)
* Paula-Perezova (in Czech)
* Paula Perez-Gomez
* Paula Perez-Lopez
* Paula Perez-Ramirez
* Paula Peréz-Martínez (in Spanish, with an accent over the first 'e')
* Paula Pérez-Paule (with a different order of the given and surnames)
* Paula Perez Paule (with a hyphen between both names)
* Paula Perez Paula (without a hyphen between both names)
* Paula-Perez y Paula (with 'y' to indicate a conjunction of both names)

Famous people with the last name Paula-perez

Notable individuals with the surname Paula-Perez include:

1. Paula Perez (athlete), a Cuban discus thrower who won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
2. Paula Paula-Perez (actress), a Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas like "Alborada" and "Mañana es para siempre."
3. Paula Paula-Perez (singer), a Puerto Rican singer who gained popularity with hits such as "Cuando el Amor Se Termina" and "Yo Te Amo."
4. Maria Paula Gutierrez Paula-Perez, a Colombian politician and member of the House of Representatives for Valle del Cauca since 2018.
5. Paula Paula-Perez (artist), a contemporary artist from Spain known for her abstract sculptures made of recycled materials.

These individuals have achieved success in various fields such as athletics, acting, music, and politics. Their accomplishments underscore the diversity and versatility within the Paula-Perez family name.

Genealogical research on the last name Paula-perez

The surname Paula-Perez is a composite Hispanic name, originating from both Spanish and Basque roots. The base surname "Perez" is one of the most common in Spain, derived from the Aramaic personal name Petros, which was Latinized as Peter and Hispanized as Pedro. This surname was originally given as a nickname to someone who shared the first name Pedro. The additional suffix "Paula" is believed to be a variant of the feminine name Paula, which comes from the Latin name Paulus, meaning "small" or "humble." While it's challenging to provide specific genealogical information without more context, the surname Paula-Perez is likely to have origins in Spain or regions influenced by Spanish culture, such as South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "paula-perez"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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