Last Name Revilla

The surname Revilla is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place-name or a topographical feature, such as a hill or a meadow, in the Iberian Peninsula. Surnames in Spain were originally hereditary and passed down from father to child. They were adopted during the late Middle Ages, around the 10th century, as a way to identify people within communities, particularly important when population growth led to larger towns and cities. The name Revilla is found primarily among Spanish speakers, but it may also be present in other countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations due to immigration or colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Revilla

The meaning and origin of the last name Revilla

The surname Revilla originates from the Basque region of Spain, specifically within the province of Álava. The name is derived from the word "rebollo" or "reboli" in Basque, which means 'small hill' or 'mound.' Over time, this term evolved into the surname Revilla. It was traditionally associated with families who lived on or near a small elevation, likely identified by a mound or other topographical feature. The name Revilla is now widely distributed throughout Spain and in some Spanish-speaking communities around the world, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Basque people.

Geographical distribution of the last name Revilla

The surname Revilla is primarily distributed across Northern Spain, with the highest concentrations found in the autonomous communities of Cantabria, Asturias, and Castile and León, where it originated. Historically, these regions were characterized by extensive rural landscapes and small villages, which may account for the high frequency of this surname in these areas. Smaller clusters of individuals with the surname Revilla can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, due to immigration and colonization over the centuries. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Revilla reside in other parts of Europe, North America, and other continents, often as descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Revilla

The surname Revilla is primarily of Spanish origin and has several variations and spellings, some of which include:

1. de Revilla - This is a common way to write the name when it is used as a last name with "de" being a prefix often found in Spanish surnames.
2. Revilla y/z - This variation adds either "y" or "z" before the given name, which may indicate a family title or noble origin. Examples include Revilla y Valdés and Revilla de Torres.
3. Re-villa - An alternative spelling with a hyphen instead of an apostrophe.
4. R'evilla - Another variant that uses an apostrophe to replace the "d" in the first syllable.
5. Re Villa - A less common spelling variation with capitalized initial letters in each word, which may be found among people who prefer a more formal or anglicized version of their name.

Famous people with the last name Revilla

Notable individuals bearing the surname Revilla include:

1. **Antonio Revilla Tulepta**, a Spanish footballer who played as a forward for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team in the 1920s and 1930s, winning two La Liga titles with Athletic.

2. **Francisco Javier Revilla Talavera**, a Mexican actor known for his roles in telenovelas such as "Muchachitas de antequera" and "El vuelo del águila".

3. **Ángel Manuel Aburto Revilla**, also known as Angelito, a Mexican singer who gained popularity in the 1970s with his traditional ranchera music. He won multiple awards including five Grammy Awards.

4. **Josep Maria Revilla**, a Spanish football coach who managed several clubs, notably Espanyol and Real Murcia, in La Liga.

5. **Iñigo Cavero Revilla**, a Spanish politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Environment under Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.

6. **Carlos Revilla**, an American film director and screenwriter known for his work on "The Hitchhiker" (1980) and "The Choirboys" (1977).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning the worlds of sports, acting, music, politics, and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Revilla

The surname Revilla originates from the Basque region in Spain, particularly in the provinces of Álava, Biscay, and Gipuzkoa. It is one of the numerous Basque-derived last names found throughout the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to medieval times. The name Revilla, specifically, is believed to be a variant of "Harre-bide" or "Harribide," meaning "new castle" in Basque. This indicates that an early bearer of the name may have lived near or built a new fortification. Over time, this family spread beyond the Basque Country due to migration and settlement patterns, especially during the Spanish colonization of America where many Revillas settled, particularly in Mexico, Peru, Cuba, and the Philippines. The family tree includes notable figures such as Juan de Revilla, a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Mexico, and Manuel Revilla y López, a prominent Mexican politician in the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Revilla"
• 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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