Last Name Penagos

The surname Penagos is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, which could be any one of several locations in Spain that have the name "Penagos" in their official designation. The name typically indicates that the original bearer lived near such a place or was originally from there. The precise origin of the name Penagos within the context of Spanish geography would require further investigation, as there are multiple villages and towns with this name throughout Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Penagos

The meaning and origin of the last name Penagos

The surname Penagos has its origins in Spain, particularly in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "pena," which means rock or cliff, and the suffix "-gos" or "-goz" that indicates a place or estate. Hence, Penagos could mean "estate by the rock" or "rocky estate." This surname was likely given to someone who lived near a prominent rock formation or geographical feature. The use of topographic names like Penagos was common in medieval Spain as a means of identifying people based on their place of origin, residence, or land ownership. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of this surname may have evolved due to migrations and cultural assimilation, leading to various regional variations. Today, Penagos is found among Hispanic populations in Spain and in communities with Spanish ancestry across the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Penagos

The surname Penagos is primarily distributed in Central and South America, with a significant concentration in Spanish-speaking countries. According to data from FamilySearch, one of the largest online family tree compilations, a majority of people with the last name Penagos reside in Colombia, followed by Panama, Peru, and Mexico. Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other Central and South American countries such as Ecuador, Venezuela, and Costa Rica. In the United States, where many immigrants from these countries have settled, Penagos is also a relatively common surname, particularly in California, Florida, and Texas. The name's geographical distribution reflects historical patterns of Spanish colonization and migration in Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Penagos

The surname Penagos has several spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical recording methods. Some common variants include: Penagoz, Penagoze, Penagose, Penagues, Penaigos, Penahos, Penasgos, Penageos, Penagoez, Penago, Penaggios, Penaggos, Pennagos, Penahgo, and Penasse. These variations can be found across various countries and regions, particularly among Spanish-speaking populations in Latin America and Spain. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often depend on its origin, and regional differences may exist even within the same family line.

Famous people with the last name Penagos

Notable individuals sharing the surname Penagos include:

1. Manuel Antonio Penagos Arango (Colombia), a respected Colombian politician and economist who served as the Minister of Finance and Public Credit from 2006 to 2010 during the presidency of Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

2. Luis Enrique Penagos (Panama), a Panamanian journalist, writer, and director. He is best known for his work in television and radio, particularly as a host on Canal 13 in Panama.

3. Juan Manuel Penagos (Colombia), an accomplished Colombian composer, conductor, and violinist who has received various awards for his contributions to music.

4. Maruja Penagos (Spain), a Spanish writer from Asturias known for her works on asturian folklore. She was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy since 1967.

These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, demonstrate the multifaceted nature and global reach of the Penagos surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Penagos

The Penagos surname originates from Spain, specifically the region of Extremadura, where it is one of the most common names. Its etymology is believed to be derived from the Old Spanish word "pena," meaning rock or cliff, and "agua" or "gozo," which means water or joy. This could imply that an early bearer of this name may have lived by a rocky or cliffside stream, or that the family took their name from a local geographical feature.

The Penagos family is believed to have migrated from Spain during the late 15th century, with many settling in South America, particularly in Colombia, Peru, and Argentina, as well as in Central America and the United States. They played significant roles in the history of these regions, particularly in politics, military service, and commerce. Notable Penagos include Juan de Penagos, a 16th-century conquistador in South America; Vicente Penagos, a Colombian politician who served as President of Colombia from 1922 to 1926; and Jorge Penadés Penagos, a Peruvian poet and writer.

Today, the Penagos surname is distributed globally, with large populations found in Spain, South America, the United States, and other parts of the world. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this fascinating family history, providing insights into their past and connecting modern-day Penagoses around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Penagos"
• 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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