Last Name Pineda

The surname "Pineda" is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "pino" which means pine tree in English. It was often given to someone who lived near a pine tree or whose occupation involved pines, such as a woodcutter or a craftsman who used pine wood for his work. The surname Pineda can be found in many Spanish-speaking countries like Spain and Mexico, where the name has been passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pineda

The meaning and origin of the last name Pineda

The surname Pineda originates from Spain, specifically the Iberian Peninsula where pine trees (Pinus spp.) are abundant. It is a topographical name, derived from the Old Spanish word "pino," which means pine tree. Individuals bearing this surname may have lived near a prominent pine tree or in an area characterized by pine forests. Over time, as families migrated and expanded, the name Pineda became widely distributed throughout Spain and its territories, including the Philippines, Mexico, and Central America, where it remains common today. In many instances, the surname has been adopted by non-Spanish speakers as a result of colonialism or immigration. The meaning of Pineda is therefore rooted in geography, reflecting a connection to the pine tree, which symbolizes strength, resilience, and longevity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pineda

The surname Pineda is predominantly distributed across various regions in Latin America and Spain, reflecting its historical roots. In Latin America, particularly Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries, the Pineda name is fairly common, with a high concentration in urban centers and rural areas where Spanish influence has been strong. In Europe, the name can be found primarily in Spain, particularly in regions like Castile and León and Valencia. Smaller numbers of people bearing the surname Pineda can also be found in the United States and other parts of the world due to migration from these countries over the past centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pineda

The surname Pineda has various spellings and forms across different regions and languages. Some common variations include Pineida, Pinieda, Pinyeda, Pinheira (Portuguese), Piniada (Italian), Pineyda, Pinayda, Pynyeda (Dialectal English), Pinedea, Pinydea, Pineydea (Old or regional English). Additionally, there might be variations due to local traditions, such as adding an 's' for multiple family members, like Pinedas, or a prefix, such as McPineida, O'Pineda (Irish and Scottish respectively). These variations reflect the rich cultural history and linguistic diversity of the Pineda family name.

Famous people with the last name Pineda

Notable individuals with the surname Pineda include José Feliciano Andrés Pineda Flores (born 1948), a Puerto Rican musician and singer-songwriter, best known for his hit song "Light My Fire." Another well-known figure is Carlos Quirós Pineda (1952-1976), a Costa Rican footballer who played for Real Madrid and the national team. In Mexico, Rubén Darío Pineda Mora (born 1948) is a respected journalist and author, having worked as editor of Proceso magazine for over three decades. Lastly, Jorge Luis Pineda (born 1963), a Honduran artist, is known for his intricate woodcut prints that explore themes of identity and memory. These four individuals have made significant contributions to music, sports, journalism, and art across various countries.

Genealogical research on the last name Pineda

The surname Pineda has Spanish origins, derived from the word "pino" which means pine tree. It is one of the most common surnames in Spain and some Latin American countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. One of the earliest recorded bearers of this name was Juan Pineda who settled in Extremadura, Spain during the 16th century. Over time, family members migrated to the New World, particularly to Central and South America. In Mexico, a notable Pineda is Francisco Javier Pineda, a prominent politician who served as governor of Veracruz from 1824 to 1827. Another significant figure is Dr. Ricardo Pinedo y Escandón, a Mexican diplomat and historian born in Guadalajara, Mexico in the late 19th century. The Pineda family tree exhibits a rich history spanning across continents and multiple generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pineda"
• 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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