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Last Name Pividal

What is the origin of the last name Pividal?

The surname "Pividal" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Pedro" (meaning "rock" or "stone") and the diminutive suffix "-idal," which means "little." The name likely evolved as a nickname for someone who had a small stature, resembling a young Pedro. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passing from one generation to the next, and eventually becoming associated with families who share this name in various parts of Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pividal

The meaning and origin of the last name Pividal

The surname Pividal is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Aragon. It derives from the Latin word "petida" or "petidaia," meaning a piece of land granted as a gift or reward, often by a monastery. Over time, this term evolved into "piedra" (stone) in Old Catalan and then into "pedida" or "peydidal" in Aragonese dialects. Eventually, the surname Pividal emerged, reflecting ownership of land with stones or a notable stone feature. This surname is most commonly found in the provinces of Teruel and Zaragoza in Aragon, where the topography often includes large, distinctive rock formations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pividal

The surname Pividal has its origins in the Catalan region of Spain, particularly in the provinces of Girona and Barcelona. It is also found in other regions of Catalonia such as Tarragona and Lleida. In recent times, a notable number of individuals with this name can be traced to the Valencian Community, another autonomous community in eastern Spain. Beyond Spain, you may find some instances of the Pividal surname among Spanish immigrants in various countries, particularly Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. Additionally, it is important to note that surnames are not fixed and can change due to factors such as assimilation or naturalization when migrating to a new country. Therefore, there might be instances of the Pividal name appearing in other geographical locations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pividal

The surname Pividal has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and evolution over time. Some common spelling variations include Pividal, Pividall, Pividael, Pivitall, Pividelle, and Pivital. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or changes in the family name over generations. The name Pividal, originally derived from a place name or occupation, is likely of Spanish origin given its prevalence in Spain and Spanish-speaking regions. It is possible that some families bearing this surname have different origins or lineages due to migrations, assimilation, or other historical factors. Despite these variations, all forms of the name share a common heritage and can be traced back to the same roots.

Famous people with the last name Pividal

The Pividal family has produced notable figures across various fields. In the realm of literature, José María de Pidal y Mon y Velásquez (1846-1912), known as José María de Pidal, was a prominent Spanish philologist and writer, best known for his contributions to Iberian linguistics and archaeology. In the world of art, Julio Romero de Torres (1874-1930), born Juan Romero y Pividal, was a Spanish painter, renowned for his depictions of Andalusian folklore and women. Lastly, in the realm of music, Eduardo Povedano Pividal (born 1956) is a Spanish conductor, known for his work with orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Granada. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting legacies in the cultural landscape of Spain and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Pividal

The surname Pividal is predominantly found in Spain and is believed to have originated from the region of Aragon. Historical records indicate that the name may be derived from the Latin "apidale," meaning "narrow passage" or "gorge." The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 13th century, in the town of L'Aldea, which is situated in the province of Huesca. Over time, the Pividal family expanded and migrated to other parts of Spain, with notable clusters found in Catalonia, Valencia, and Castile-La Mancha. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Pedro Pividal, a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Finance during the early 20th century, and Juan Pividal, a renowned Spanish painter. Today, the Pividal family is found across Spain and other countries where Spanish immigrants have settled, preserving their rich history and traditions.

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 : 13 June 2025

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