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Last Name Pimentel

What is the origin of the last name Pimentel?

The surname "Pimentel" has Portuguese origins. It is derived from the word "pimenta," which means pepper in Portuguese. The name was given to individuals who were associated with the spice trade or who lived near a place where black pepper was cultivated, particularly during the Age of Discoveries when Portugal played a significant role in colonization and exploration. The surname spread to other regions through migration over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pimentel

The meaning and origin of the last name Pimentel

The surname Pimentel is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the word "pimienta," which means pepper in Spanish. This surname would have originally been given to someone who was associated with the spice trade or whose family was known for using pepper extensively in their cooking. Over time, the name spread across regions as Spain colonized various parts of the world and its citizens migrated. Today, it can be found in countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Philippines, Mexico, and elsewhere due to historical movements of people. Notable individuals with this surname include Portuguese poet Sá de Miranda, Brazilian musician Pimenta, and Filipino politician Jejomar Binay.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pimentel

The last name Pimentel has its origins in Portugal and Spain, where it is one of the most common surnames in several regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and northern Portugal. Over time, people with this surname migrated to various parts of the world due to historical events, trade, or seek for better opportunities. In the Americas, a significant number of Pimentel descendants can be found in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Cuba, and Peru, where they arrived during the colonization era. The name also appears frequently in the Philippines, which was under Spanish rule for over 300 years. In Europe, apart from Portugal and Spain, notable populations of Pimentels can be found in France, Italy, and Germany. This distribution reflects both the historical roots and the diaspora of people with the last name Pimentel across multiple continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pimentel

The surname Pimentel has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some of these include Pimentel, de Pimentel, del Pimentel, do Pimentel, Pinhel, Pynhel, Pymentell, Pymettle, Pymetall, and Pemmett. These variations may be found in different countries such as Spain, Portugal, Brazil, the Philippines, and other regions with Portuguese or Spanish heritage. The name is derived from the Portuguese word for pepper (pimenta) and may have been given to someone who sold spices or had red hair, which was compared to the color of peppers. These variations demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and cultural influences that contribute to the richness and complexity of family names around the world.

Famous people with the last name Pimentel

Notable individuals with the surname Pimentel include:

1. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., a Filipino actor and former senator who served prison terms for plunder and graft charges. He was known for his roles in several action films during the 1980s and 1990s.

2. Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Roberto "Father Bob" Pimentel, a prominent Jesuit priest and educator who has been recognized for his advocacy work on various social issues in the Philippines. He was appointed as the university's 6th president in 1986.

3. Maria Elena Pimentel-Herrera, also known as Inday Ferrer, a Filipino actress and singer who has received critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Tanging Yaman" and "Himala." She was the recipient of several Gawad Urian Awards.

4. Carlos Lamarca Pimentel, a Brazilian military officer, guerrilla leader, and politician who was one of the founders of the Armed Forces Movement (MFA) in 1964. He was later appointed as the Minister of War by the Military Government from 1975 to 1978.

5. Jose de la Luz Pimentel, a prominent Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Puebla from 1962 to 1964 and was later appointed as the Secretary of Government under President Luis Echeverría. He was known for his contributions to education reform and urban development in Mexico.

Genealogical research on the last name Pimentel

The surname Pimentel is of Portuguese origin, derived from the Old Portuguese word "pimenta" meaning "pepper". It first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, where it was used as a metonym for a spice merchant or a landowner who cultivated pepper plants. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Mem Pimentel, who lived in the Kingdom of Galicia in the 10th century. The Pimentels rose to prominence during the Reconquista, when they fought against the Moors and played significant roles in the Christian conquest of Portugal. One of the most notable members of this family was Afonso Pimentel, 3rd Count of Barcelos, who served as the first Grand Master of the Order of Christ after the Discoveries. The name subsequently spread to the New World with Portuguese explorers and settlers, establishing numerous branches in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Last name distribution maps

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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 : 11 June 2025

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