Last Name Pero

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pero

The meaning and origin of the last name Pero

The surname Pero has roots in various cultures, making its origin somewhat complex. In Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, Pero is a diminutive form of the given name Pedro, which comes from the Greek Peter (Petrus), meaning "rock" or "stone." It was popularized by Saint Peter, one of the 12 apostles in Christian tradition. In Scandinavian countries, Pero might be derived from the Old Norse name Björn, meaning "bear." Over time, surnames like Pero have evolved and spread due to various historical events such as migration, conquest, and trade routes, leading to their use across different regions and languages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pero

The surname Pero is predominantly found across various regions of Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it is most common in the northern autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon, indicating potential Basque or Celtic origins. In Portugal, the name is prevalent in the north, particularly in the districts of Porto, Aveiro, and Braga, suggesting possible influences from the Iberian Peninsula's shared history and cultural exchanges. The name can also be found to a lesser extent in Latin America, primarily among populations with Spanish or Portuguese ancestry, particularly in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. In the United States, the distribution of Pero is largely concentrated in regions with high concentrations of Hispanic communities, such as California, Florida, Texas, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pero

The surname Pero has several variations and spellings in different regions and countries. Some common variations include Peró, Perro, Pereo, Phero, and Piero. These differences may arise due to spelling changes over time or regional dialects. In Spanish-speaking countries, Peró is a variant of the surname Pérez. Perro, meaning "dog" in Spanish, might occur as an unusual or misspelled form. Pereo could be a typographical error of Pero or Peró, while Phero and Piero are less common forms that may have originated from other languages or cultures. It is essential to note that surnames can be challenging to trace due to various historical factors such as migration, linguistic changes, and record-keeping errors.

Famous people with the last name Pero

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pero include:

1. Pedro de Peralta y Barnabé (c. 1570-1628), a Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1610.

2. Pedro Nolasco de Peralta (c. 1598-1666), son of Pedro de Peralta y Barnabé, who served as Governor of the Province of New Mexico from 1657 to 1660 and 1664 to 1666.

3. José Maria Morelos y Pavón (1768-1815), a Mexican revolutionary leader during the Mexican War of Independence, who was born with the surname Pero but later added Morelos and Pavón to his name.

4. Eusebio Francisco Kino (1645-1711), a German Jesuit missionary in Mexico and later in what is now Arizona, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California, who is sometimes referred to as "Pero Kino" due to a misspelling of his name in some historical documents.

5. Juan José Pérez de la Riva (1784-1836), a Mexican military officer and politician who served as Governor of the State of Mexico from 1827 to 1829, and later as President of Mexico for a brief period in 1828.

These individuals have made significant contributions to the history of Mexico, the United States, and New Spain.

Genealogical research on the last name Pero

The surname Pero originates from various regions in Europe, making its history complex and diverse. One of the earliest records of this name can be traced back to Spain, where it was derived from the personal name Pero, a short form of the name Ferdinand, which became popular after the introduction of the name by King Ferdinand III of Castile in the 13th century. The surname later spread to Portugal and other Spanish-speaking regions due to historical events such as the Reconquista and colonization. In Italy, Pero is a variant of the name Pietro, which comes from the Latin Petrus, meaning "rock" or "stone." In Scandinavia, Pero could be a shortened form of various personal names containing the element pär (pearl), such as Per or Per-Ingvar. The surname Pero can also be found in France and England, potentially due to migration or name changes during the Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pero"
• 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 : 28 July 2025