Last Name Pintado

The surname "Pintado" is of Spanish origin. It translates to 'painted' in English and was traditionally given to someone who had distinctive features or marks on their body, or it could have been used metaphorically to describe a skillful artist or craftsman. Like many surnames, its use spread across borders with the movement of people, so you may find variations of this name in other Spanish-speaking countries and regions where Spanish-speaking populations settled.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pintado

The meaning and origin of the last name Pintado

The surname "Pintado" is of Spanish origin, derived from the verb "pintar," which means "to paint." The name was often given to people who were skilled painters or artisans, or to those who had distinctive physical features that resembled a work of art. Over time, it became a common surname in regions with a strong Spanish influence, such as Spain, Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines. Notable figures bearing this surname include painter Francisco de Pintado from the Spanish Renaissance period, and Filipino senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., whose middle name "Pintado" was derived from his grandmother's maiden name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pintado

The last name Pintado is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and countries of Latin America such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Peru, and Argentina. It is also present to a lesser extent in Portugal, where the same name originates due to its meaning being 'painted' or 'illustrated'. Additionally, immigrants from these regions have contributed to the dispersal of the surname Pintado in other parts of the world, with notable communities found in the United States, Canada, and countries in Europe like France, Germany, and the UK. It is important to note that the distribution of last names can vary significantly within a single country due to factors such as migration patterns, local customs, and historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pintado

The surname Pintado has various spellings and variations, stemming from different regions and linguistic influences. Some common spelling variations include Pinhadao, Pintadão, Pintadeau, Pintados, Pintatou, Pintadus, Pintaudo, and Pinteado. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, phonetic changes over time, or differences in language norms. The original Portuguese spelling is Pintado, which translates to "painted" in English. This name can be found throughout Spanish-speaking regions under the spelling Pintado as well, and may also appear in other languages such as French or Italian with slightly altered spellings due to regional pronunciation differences.

Famous people with the last name Pintado

Notable individuals bearing the surname Pintado include:

1. José Vicente Pintado y Serrano (1743-1819), a Spanish painter and architect active during the Neoclassical period, known for his works in Seville and Madrid.
2. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón Pintado (born 1951), a Colombian statesman who served as President of Colombia from 2010 to 2018 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for his efforts to end the Colombian conflict.
3. Alejandro Pintado, a Mexican visual artist who specializes in painting, printmaking, and installation art. His work explores themes of identity, migration, and memory.
4. José Antonio Pintado (born 1958), a Spanish composer known for his operas, symphonies, and chamber music. He has received numerous awards for his contributions to contemporary classical music.
5. Pedro Pintado, also known as Don Pedro de Mendoza y Pintado (1496-1537), was a Spanish conquistador and the founder of Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. His attempts to colonize Patagonia ultimately failed due to logistical difficulties and native resistance.

Genealogical research on the last name Pintado

The surname Pintado has origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Portugal and Spain. The name is derived from the Latin "pictatus," meaning painted or tattooed, which suggests an early occupation related to art or craftsmanship involving imagery. In Portugal, the first known bearer of the surname was Rui Pintado, who lived in the 14th century. In Spain, records show Pedro Pintado appearing in Castile around the same period.

Over time, families with the surname Pintado emigrated from their Iberian homelands to various parts of Europe and the Americas. In the New World, notable individuals bearing the name include Juan Pintado, a 16th-century explorer who accompanied Pedro Menéndez de Avilés on his expedition to Florida; and Francisco Pintado y Almonacid, a 18th-century Mexican architect known for designing the Guadalajara Cathedral.

Today, the Pintado family can be found in numerous countries, with significant populations in Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about the history and dispersal of this ancient and fascinating surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pintado"
• 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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