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Last Name Perez-De-Obanos

What is the origin of the last name Perez-De-Obanos?

The surname Perez-De-Obanos is of Spanish origin. It is a compound surname formed by combining two separate surnames, "Perez" and "de Obanos". The "Perez" surname is one of the most common in Spain and Portugal, derived from the personal name Pedro (Peter). This was commonly used during the Middle Ages due to its association with Saint Peter. The second part, "de Obanos", indicates a person from Obanos, a town located in Navarra, a region in northern Spain. The name of the town is believed to be derived from the Basque word "oba", meaning "village" or "settlement". Thus, the surname Perez-De-Obanos would originally denote someone who was born in Obanos and had the given name Pedro (or a variant).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The meaning and origin of the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The surname "Perez-De-Obanos" is a Spanish patronymic name with dual origins, combining both paternal and maternal lineages, which is relatively uncommon in traditional Hispanic nomenclature. "Perez" originates from the personal name Peter, Latin "Petrus", derived from Greek "petros" meaning "rock". It was popularly given to males across Europe during the Middle Ages due to its religious connotations.

The second part of the surname, "De-Obanos," is a place name originating from Obanos, a town in Navarre, a historic region and autonomous community in northern Spain. The suffix "de" or "del" indicates nobility or noble extraction, suggesting that the original bearer may have held land or title in Obanos during medieval times. This combination of "Perez-De-Obanos" thus signifies a man named Peter who was either from Obanos or possessed a connection to it through his ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The surname Perez-De-Obanos exhibits a predominant distribution within the Basque Country and surrounding regions of northern Spain, particularly in the provinces of Biscay, Gipuzkoa, and Navarra. It is also found in significant numbers in the neighboring Cantabria region. In addition, Perez-De-Obanos is noticeable among Spanish expatriate communities in various countries, notably in Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States, as a result of historical migration patterns. This surname, which combines elements of the common Basque surnames Perez (Peter's son) and Obano (from Oba or Araba, Old Spanish for Aragon), reflects its origins in these geographical areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The surname Perez-De-Obanos presents several variations and spellings. The most common spelling includes two hyphens: Perez-De-Obanos. However, some individuals may omit the hyphens, resulting in the spellings PerezdeObanos or Perez De Obanos. Additionally, different cultures or regions might have unique ways of writing the name. For instance, it could be written as Pérez de Obarzabal in some Spanish regions, and Perez Del Obazo in others. Furthermore, the name may also be transliterated into other languages, such as Perez De Obanos (transliterated to Portuguese), or Perez von Obanos (in German). It is essential to note that the correct spelling of a name can vary depending on historical periods and geographical locations.

Famous people with the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The Perez-De-Obanos family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent is Maria de los Angeles Perez Obando (born as Maria del Carmen Perez de Obando), a Colombian politician who served as Minister of Defense from 2018 to 2022. She was the first woman to hold this position in Colombia and was known for her commitment to peacebuilding efforts following the country's long-running conflict.

In the realm of art, Rafael Perez-Torres is a renowned Cuban-American painter who gained international acclaim for his abstract expressionist works. His pieces are held in numerous museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Lastly, Manuel Perez de Tudela y Obanos was a Spanish engineer and military officer during the late 19th century. He is best known for his work on railway systems across Spain, particularly the Madrid-Zaragoza-Valencia line, which is still in use today. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of those bearing the Perez-De-Obanos name.

Genealogical research on the last name Perez-De-Obanos

The surname Perez-De-Obanos originates from Spain and is of Basque descent. The Basques are an ethnic group primarily located in the northern parts of Spain and France, known for their distinctive language and culture. The name Perez can be translated as "Peter's son" in English and De-Obanos indicates a connection to Obanos, a town in Navarre, Spain.

The earliest recorded bearer of the Perez-De-Obanos name is Pedro Fernández de Obano y Pérez, who lived in the 16th century in the Kingdom of Navarre. His son, Juan Pérez de Obano y Loyola, was a renowned Basque historian and jurist during the Spanish Golden Age. The Perez-De-Obanos lineage continued to prosper in Spain throughout the centuries, with notable members including the military leader Ignacio Pérez de Obando y Córdoba and Juan Manuel de Obando, a poet and dramatist.

Today, descendants of the Perez-De-Obanos family can be found across the world, particularly in Spain, the Americas, and the Philippines, where the name has been widely adopted due to historical colonization. The legacy of the Perez-De-Obanos family endures through their contributions to literature, law, and military strategy, demonstrating the rich cultural heritage associated with this distinguished Spanish surname.

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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