Last Name Perea

The surname Perea is of Spanish origin, derived from the personal name Pedro, which means "rock" or "stone" in English. In Spain, many last names were traditionally patronymic, meaning they were formed as a son's name based on his father's given name with the addition of suffixes like "-ez", "-iz", or "- de la(z)" to indicate family relation. The surname Perea is a variant of Perez (Perez means "son of Pedro"), but in some regions, it evolved into a topographic name meaning "of the pear trees" due to its location near pear orchards. The name spread with Spanish colonization and migration, becoming common in Latin America as well.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Perea

The surname Perea is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "pera," which means pear tree in English. It is primarily found among the Hispanic population, particularly in Spain and Latin America, where it signifies that the original bearer lived near or by a pear tree. In genealogical records, this name can be traced back to medieval Spain, where surnames were adopted as a means of identification during the late Middle Ages. Over time, the Perea family expanded across Europe and the Americas, with various branches migrating to different countries and adopting unique cultural practices while preserving their shared ancestry. Today, the Perea name remains widespread among Hispanic communities, reflecting its rich history and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perea

The surname Perea is predominantly distributed across Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Spain and several Latin American countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and various Central and South American nations like Colombia, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. It also has a significant presence in the Philippines due to historical ties between Spain and the archipelago. In the United States, Perea is common among populations of Mexican, Cuban, and Filipino descent, particularly in states with large Hispanic or Filipino communities like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, small groups of people with the surname Perea can be found in other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perea

The surname Perea can be found with various spelling and pronunciation variations due to linguistic and regional differences. Some common versions include Peréa, Pérez (from assimilation of the final 'a' sound), Pera, and Pereya (the latter being more commonly found in Eastern Europe or Russia). Another variant, Peréz, features a tilde on the 'e' to indicate stress on the second syllable. These variations highlight the multicultural background of the name, reflecting its prevalence among Spanish, Latin American, and Slavic populations. It is important to note that the correct spelling or pronunciation can depend on the specific family or location, so it's always best to consult the individual or their family history for accurate information.

Famous people with the last name Perea

Notable individuals with the surname Perea include:

1. Alejandro Perea, a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Turkish club Antalyaspor and the Chile national team. He made his international debut in 2016.

2. Carlos Pérez (born 1973), a Mexican former professional footballer who spent most of his career with Cruz Azul, where he became one of the club's all-time top scorers.

3. Daniela Perea, an American singer and actress known for her work in music, television, and film. She gained prominence as a member of the girl group Eden's Crush.

4. Fernando Perea (1925–2011), a Mexican actor who had a career spanning over 60 years, including roles in films like "The Magnificent Seven" and "Midnight Express."

5. Guillermo Pérez-Quiroga (born 1948), a Mexican businessman, diplomat, and politician who served as Mexico's Ambassador to the United States from 2006 to 2009. He was also a candidate for the presidency of Mexico in the 2006 election.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields across various industries and geographies.

Genealogical research on the last name Perea

The surname Perea has origins rooted in Spain and Portugal, with the most common etymology tracing back to the Old Spanish word "pereyra" or "pereira", meaning "pear tree". This last name is prevalent across various regions in Europe, particularly in Castile and Galicia in Spain, and in Northern Portugal. The earliest records of the Perea family can be found in medieval documents from the 12th century in these areas. As European migration increased during the late 15th to early 16th centuries, the Perea family spread across the globe, establishing significant populations in South America, particularly Mexico and Cuba, due to Spanish colonization efforts. The name is also common among Mexican Americans and Portuguese-Brazilians today. Genealogical research has identified various notable individuals with the surname Perea throughout history, including religious figures, politicians, and artists. However, further investigation and collaboration are required for a comprehensive understanding of the Perea family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Perea"
• 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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