Last Name Platas

The surname Platas has origins in multiple countries with different languages and histories. One possible origin is from Spain, where it may have derived from the Latin word "plata," meaning "silver." Over time, this name could have been given to someone who worked with silver or was a skilled silversmith. Another origin may be from Greece, where Platas could be derived from the place name Plataiai, an ancient city in Boeotia associated with the famous Battle of Plataea in 479 BCE. This surname could have been given to someone who was originally from this region or had some connection to it. It is also found in Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking regions such as Brazil, where it may be a variant of the name "Plácido" or "Plácida," which are derived from Latin words related to peace or kindness.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Platas

The meaning and origin of the last name Platas

The surname Platas is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "platea," which means broad street or marketplace. It was often given to someone who lived near a large open area or to someone who was involved in trading activities. Over time, this name has been spelled differently due to various phonetic and orthographic variations, including Plata, Plater, Platts, and Plath in other European countries. In Spain, the surname Platas is most common in the regions of Castile-Leon, Extremadura, and Andalusia. Notable individuals with this surname include Jose Antonio Plata, a Spanish musician, and Maria Plata, a Spanish actress.

Geographical distribution of the last name Platas

The surname Platas is predominantly distributed across Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it is most commonly found in the regions of Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, Madrid, Andalusia, and Galicia. It is particularly concentrated in the provinces of Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Toledo, Seville, and Malaga. In Portugal, it is primarily found in the northern regions, with a significant presence in Porto and Braga. The name also appears sporadically in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Equatorial Guinea due to historical migration patterns. Outside Europe, the name is also present in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, reflecting the historical ties between Spain and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Platas

The surname Platas has various spellings and pronunciations, primarily due to regional and linguistic differences. Some common variants include: Plata, Plattas, Plathas, Platha, Platta, Plath, Pelta, and Pelto. Each of these variations may be more prevalent in specific geographic locations or among certain ethnic groups. For example, the "Plata" spelling is more common in Spanish-speaking regions, while "Plattas" might be found predominantly among Greek or Eastern European families. It's essential to consider the cultural and historical context when researching these names to ensure accurate information.

Famous people with the last name Platas

The Platas surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Francisco J. Platas, a Mexican politician who served as a Senator and was elected as the President of the Senate of Mexico during the 2006-2009 legislative period.

In the world of music, Eduardo "Lalo" Platas is recognized for his significant contributions to the Cuban music scene, particularly in the salsa genre. He is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger who has worked with many prominent Latin artists.

Another notable figure is Juan Platas, a Spanish architect born in Havana, Cuba, who was one of the key figures in the Modern Movement architecture in Spain during the 20th century. His most famous works include the San Cugat del Vallès Church and the Monasterio de la Santa Cruz del Ejea de los Caballeros.

Lastly, in the realm of sports, Carlos Platas is a retired Mexican long-distance runner who won gold medals at the 1968 Summer Olympics and set a new world record in the marathon. These individuals are just some examples of the significant contributions made by people with the last name Platas across various fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Platas

The last name Platas is of Greek origin, derived from the word "platos" which means flat or wide. It is primarily found in Spain and Portugal, where it was introduced during the Moorish occupation of those regions (711-1492 AD). One notable bearer of the surname was Fernando Platas y Zúñiga (1805-1866), a Spanish admiral and politician who served as Minister of Marine during the early reign of Queen Isabella II. The Platas family tree can be traced back to Andalusia, a region in southern Spain known for its rich history and diverse culture. Other variants of the name include Plata, Plater, Platic, etc., reflecting the regional dialects and spelling conventions of different eras and places. Today, the Platas family can be found worldwide, with significant populations in countries like the United States, Spain, Portugal, and Canada.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Platas"
• 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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