Last Name Peralta

The surname Peralta has origins that can be traced back to multiple regions due to its popularity across various European countries, as well as in some Spanish-speaking areas of South America and the Philippines. One of the earliest records of the name Peralta is from the Iberian Peninsula, where it appears in medieval documents from Spain and Portugal. In these regions, the name was often associated with mining or quarry work, derived from the Latin word "petra," meaning stone. The name Peralta may have referred to someone who worked in a quarry, lived near one, or owned one. Another possibility is that the name originated in the Arabic language, where "peralta" means "tower" or "fortress." In this context, it could have been given to people living near strongholds or as a symbol of protection and strength. The name also appears in the Philippines, with roots tracing back to Spanish colonization. Many Filipino surnames were adopted from their Spanish conquerors, and Peralta is one of them. Some members of the Peralta family played significant roles in Philippine history, such as Andres Bonifacio y de la Rama Peralta, a national hero who led the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule in the late 19th century. Ultimately, the exact origin of the surname Peralta may vary depending on the specific family lineage and history. The name has diverse roots and can be found across different cultures and time periods.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Peralta

The meaning and origin of the last name Peralta

The surname Peralta has its roots in Spain, specifically in the Basque Country and parts of Castile. It is derived from the Latin word "petralis," which means "rocky" or "stone-related." Over time, it evolved into the modern Spanish form, "Peralta." Throughout history, the name Peralta has been borne by notable figures in Spain, including members of the Peralta family who played significant roles during the Reconquista, the period in which Christians retook the Iberian Peninsula from the Moors. The name also spread to other parts of Europe and the Americas as a result of Spanish colonialism, with many bearers of the surname establishing families and communities in countries such as Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and the Philippines. Today, Peralta is a common surname among Hispanic populations worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Peralta

The surname Peralta has its roots in several countries primarily within the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Castile-La Mancha, and Catalonia, reflecting its historical association with these regions. It also appears frequently in Portugal, particularly in the north, where it is occasionally spelled as Perdigão or Terra.

Moving across the Atlantic, the name Peralta becomes prominent in Latin America. In Brazil, it ranks among the top 100 surnames and is most common in the northeastern states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Paraíba. In Mexico, Peralta is a common surname in many regions, with particularly high concentrations in the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, and Chihuahua. Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Cuba also have significant populations bearing the name Peralta. The distribution suggests a mix of Spanish and Portuguese colonial influence across the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Peralta

The surname Peralta has several variations and spellings, primarily due to regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions. Here are some common ones:

* Peralta: This is the standard Spanish spelling of the name, meaning "from Peralta," a place-name derived from the Latin "petra lupata" or "wolf rock."
* Pereira de Peralta: A Portuguese variation that includes an additional family name, "Pereira."
* Peraldo: This is a less common variation found in some Spanish-speaking regions. It may be a regional dialectal variant or a shortened form of the name.
* Peraulta: A rare variant found among descendants of Basque immigrants to Spain and Latin America.
* Pereault: A French variant, derived from the same root as the Spanish and Portuguese versions.
* Pieralti, Pieratti, Pieraldo: Italian variations that may be found in some families with a Peralta ancestry.
* Pearce (or Peirce), Percy, Percival: English variations of the name, which are likely derived from the same Latin roots as Peralta but have undergone significant phonetic and orthographic changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Peralta

Notable individuals bearing the surname Peralta include:

1. Pedro de Peralta (16th century), a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico and Peru.
2. Ramón Peralta y Matías (1840-1918), a Puerto Rican politician, lawyer, and writer who served as the island's first elected governor.
3. Carlos Peralta (born 1975), a Mexican American actor best known for his roles in television series such as "The Shield" and "Jane the Virgin."
4. Salvador Peralta (1926-1990), a Chilean painter and sculptor who was a key figure of the Valparaíso Renaissance art movement.
5. Alexis Dziena (born 1984), an American actress known for her roles in films like "Entourage" and "The House of Usher." Born Alexandria Peralta, she uses Dziena professionally due to a stage name change.
6. Ricardo Peralta (born 1958), a Mexican professional boxer who held the WBA featherweight title from 1978 to 1980.
7. Jorge Peralta (1942-1983), a Salvadoran musician and composer, known as El Correcaminos, famous for hits like "El Machetero" and "El Barrio."

Genealogical research on the last name Peralta

The Peralta surname is of Basque origin, stemming from the region spanning modern-day Spain and France. The name "Peralta" is derived from the town Peraltzagoiena, meaning "stone hill," in the Basque language. The earliest known Peralta ancestors resided in this area during the Middle Ages. Notable members of the Peralta family include the conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo, who chronicled the conquest of Mexico by Hernán Cortés, and Juan de Peralta y Ramos, the governor of Texas from 1836 to 1840 during the Republic of Texas era. The Peraltas later migrated to the American colonies, notably in New Mexico and California. Throughout history, the Peralta family has made significant contributions in various fields, such as politics, military service, and culture, leaving a lasting impact on their respective communities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Peralta"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends