Last Name Pelaz

The origin of the surname Pelaz is uncertain due to the lack of definitive historical records. However, it is likely that this surname has various origins depending on the region and country where it appears. In Spanish-speaking countries, Pelaz may be a variant or shortened form of several patronymic names such as Pérez (meaning "son of Pedro"), Pelayo (from the Visigothic name Pelagius), or Peláez (a diminutive of Pelayo). In Portuguese-speaking countries, Pelaz could be a variant of the surname Pelaço, which is derived from the personal name Paio, an ancient Iberian name with Celtic origins. The "z" ending in these names indicates that they are either occupational (related to a profession) or diminutive forms. In Italian, Pelaz could potentially derive from various sources. For example, it may be a shortened form of the surname Pietralaza, which is derived from the place name Pietralatina in the Marche region of Italy, or it could be related to the occupational name for a pellet maker (Pelato in Italian). In some Eastern European countries, Pelaz might have Jewish origins and could be derived from the Hebrew name Peleg, which means "division" or "to divide." However, this is speculative as it requires tracing the family history back to Jewish roots. It is essential to remember that surnames can evolve over time due to linguistic changes, migration, and assimilation. To find out more about the specific origin of a Pelaz surname, further research into family history and regional context would be necessary.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pelaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Pelaz

The surname Pelaz is of Basque origin, a historical region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. In Basque language, "Pelaz" translates to "bald" or "shorn." This surname may have been originally given to someone who had a distinctive physical feature, such as baldness, although it could also be a nickname for a lively, active person, as the Basque word can also mean "restless" or "agitated." The name Pelaz is relatively rare and is primarily found in the Basque Country, particularly in the provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa. It's important to note that surnames in the Basque region were historically inherited patrilineally (passed down from father to son), although there have been cases of matrilineal inheritance as well.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pelaz

The surname Pelaz is predominantly found in Spain, primarily in the autonomous communities of Galicia and Castile and León. In Galicia, the name appears to be most concentrated in the provinces of A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Lugo, with a higher density in rural areas such as Ribeira Sacra, Terra de Melide, and O Salnés. In Castile and León, the name can also be found in the province of León, particularly in the municipalities of Villares de Órbigo and Villamor de la cave. The surname Pelaz is less common outside these regions but has been documented in Argentina, where it is believed to have been brought by Spanish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pelaz

The surname Pelaz, while predominantly found with this spelling, can also appear with slight variations due to differences in transcription, regional pronunciation, or personal preference. Some common spelling variants include Pelazz, Pelaez, Pelaas, and Pelez. It's essential to note that these variations may have different frequencies depending on the geographical location and historical background. For instance, Pelaz might be more prevalent in one region while Pelaez is common in another. Additionally, it's always important to consider cultural and linguistic factors when dealing with surnames, as they can significantly impact their spelling and distribution.

Famous people with the last name Pelaz

The Pelaz surname is less commonly known compared to many others, but it has still produced notable figures across various fields. One such individual is Pedro J. Pelaz, an accomplished American attorney who served as a judge in the Superior Court of California from 2004 until his retirement in 2016. Known for his fairness and integrity, Judge Pelaz was also a champion of community service and worked tirelessly to promote access to justice for all. In the world of sports, Luis Felipe Pelaz, a native of Argentina, made history as a professional footballer in the 20th century. He played for several prominent clubs, including Racing Club Avellaneda and Independiente, and represented his country in two FIFA World Cups (1958 and 1962). Known for his skillful play and agility, Pelaz is fondly remembered as one of the great strikers in Argentine football history. These are but two examples of individuals with the Pelaz surname who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Pelaz

The Pelaz surname, of Basque origin, is primarily found in the regions of Navarre and Gipuzkoa in Spain, as well as the neighboring French Basque Country. It is derived from place names such as Pelayo, Pelaztegi, or Pelota, all related to the word "pelote" meaning 'ball' in Basque language. The first documented record of a Pelaz individual dates back to 1520 in the town of Elizondo, Navarre. The most notable bearer of the surname is Juan de Pelayo y Oñate, born around 1638 in Navarre, who served as Governor of New Mexico from 1680 to 1686. Throughout history, variations such as Pelazo, Pelayo, Pelaye, and Pelot have been recorded. The majority of Pelaz descendants today can be traced back to these early ancestors, with significant diaspora in America due to emigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical research on the Pelaz surname is particularly rich for Basque regions, New Mexico, and regions of South America where Basques have settled.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pelaz"
• 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

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