Last Name Rebolo

The last name Rebolo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Occitan and Catalan word "rebol" meaning "gourd" or "melon". This surname was originally given to someone who had a gourd-shaped face or physical characteristic, or perhaps they were associated with a gourd in some way. The name's roots can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula and it is one of the many Spanish surnames that originated from occupations, places, or physical attributes.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rebolo

The meaning and origin of the last name Rebolo

The surname Rebolo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "reboll," which means oak tree. The name was often given to individuals who lived near or were associated with an oak tree. In medieval times, trees were commonly used as landmarks and a family's name could be derived from their specific location. As people migrated and settled in new areas, they would often adopt the names of the places they came from or the natural features that marked their new homes. The surname Rebolo has spread throughout Spain over centuries, with varying spellings such as Rebollo, Rebolla, and Rebollo y Roldan due to phonetic changes in different regions. Today, it is a relatively common surname in Spain, particularly in the northern regions of Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rebolo

The surname Rebolo has its origins in Spain, where it is most prevalent due to historical population movements and linguistic differences within the country. Its highest concentration can be found in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, all located on the northwestern coast of Spain. This is likely because these regions were historically part of the Kingdom of Galicia, where the name Rebolo has been traced back to the 14th century. The name is less common in other parts of Spain but can still be found in smaller numbers across various provinces. Additionally, due to emigration, there are individuals with the surname Rebolo in other countries, primarily in Latin America and the United States, often as a result of Spanish colonization or more recent immigration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rebolo

The surname Rebolo possesses several variations and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins and adaptations over time. The most common spelling is "Rebolo," which originates primarily from Spain, specifically the regions of Galicia and Castile. Other variations include "Rebollo," "Rebolló," "Rebolloh," and "Rebollu," all stemming from the same root word but incorporating regional dialects or phonetic changes. The name may also appear as "Reboulo" in some Portuguese-speaking families, particularly those of Galician descent. In rare cases, it can be found spelled as "Rabolo" and "Rebol," although these variations are less common. These spellings demonstrate the adaptability and evolution of the surname Rebolo across geographical boundaries and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Rebolo

The Rebolo surname has produced several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, one of the most prominent figures is David Rebollo, a Spanish former footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Sevilla and Real Sociedad. In the world of cinema, Belén Rueda Rebollo, known simply as Belén Rueda, is a highly acclaimed Spanish actress best known for her roles in films like The Orphanage and Julia's Eyes. Additionally, José Luis Rebolo is a Spanish former tennis player who achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 18 in singles and reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1973. Lastly, in the field of science, Carmen Rebelo is a Portuguese mathematician and researcher known for her work in geometric group theory and low-dimensional topology. These individuals, with their diverse backgrounds and achievements, exemplify the global reach and versatility associated with the Rebolo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Rebolo

The surname Rebolo is of Spanish origin, traceable to several regions within Spain including Galicia, Castile, and León. One of the earliest records of the name can be found in Galicia during the late Middle Ages, where the family was associated with the region's nobility. The name Rebolo has a possible derivation from the Latin word "rebolus," meaning a rebound or recoil, which could symbolize resilience or adaptability, characteristic traits that might have been crucial for survival in the often challenging environment of medieval Spain. Over time, various branches of the Rebolo family emerged across Spain and its colonies, with many migrating to the Americas during the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the name Rebolo is a common surname in Spain, Portugal, South America, and among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide. Genealogical research on the Rebolo family continues to uncover fascinating histories and connections that enrich our understanding of this dynamic lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Rebolo"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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