Last Name Ribote

The last name "Ribote" is a Spanish and Portuguese surname derived from a toponymic (place-name) origin. In this case, it refers to someone who was originally from a location called "Ribeira," which is common in Portugal and northern Spain. "Ribeira" translates to "riverside" or "by the river." The name's spelling may vary slightly depending on the region of origin, such as Ribiero, Ribières, etc., but all are related to the original place-name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ribote

The meaning and origin of the last name Ribote

The surname Ribote is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it has been recorded since at least medieval times. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "ribote", which translates to "little mill" or "small watermill". This name was often given to someone who lived near a small water-powered mill, or possibly someone who worked there. Over time, as families migrated and spread across Spain and later to other parts of the world, variations in spelling have arisen such as Ribota, Ribadeneira, and Ribera. The surname Ribote is most common in regions of Spain like Galicia and Asturias where mills were a significant part of the local economy.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ribote

The surname Ribote is predominantly found in Spain, with high concentrations in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, all located on the northwestern coast. This name is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, due to historical migration patterns. In these countries, the distribution varies significantly from one region to another. For instance, in Mexico, it is more common in states like Guerrero, Veracruz, and Oaxaca. In Portugal, where a similar spelling "Riboto" exists, it can be found primarily in the district of Viseu, although its usage remains relatively rare compared to Spanish-speaking countries. Overall, the Ribote/Riboto surname demonstrates a strong association with the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish-speaking diaspora communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ribote

The surname Ribote has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variations include: Ribaud, Ribaut, Ribat, Ribeaudeau, Ribault, Ribaud, Ribaudo, Ribaudi, Ribbaut, Ribbet, Ribbit, Riboteaux, Ribotey, Ribotes, Ribou, Riboue, Rivaudeau, Rivault, Rivoal, Rivet, and Rivette. These variations may arise from changes in phonetics, the influence of other languages, or scribal errors during record-keeping. Despite these differences, all these surnames share a common origin, which is likely derived from the Occitan word "ribaud", meaning "bold" or "brave".

Famous people with the last name Ribote

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ribote include:

1. Jorge Ribote (b. 1976), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder for several clubs, including Valencia CF and Celta Vigo.

2. Raúl Riboté (b. 1980), a Spanish cyclist who has competed professionally since 2005, most notably for the Caja Rural-Seguros RGA team.

3. Alejandro Riboté (b. 1974), a Cuban-American artist known for his vibrant and colorful paintings that often depict scenes from his native Cuba and other tropical locales.

4. Carlos Ribote (b. 1980), a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a defender, currently with Atlético San Luis in the Mexican Primera División.

5. Jeanne-Marie Ribote (1923-2021), a French actress who had a long and varied career in film, television, and theatre, appearing in more than 80 productions from the 1940s through the 2010s.

Genealogical research on the last name Ribote

The surname Ribote originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain, where it is believed to have been initially adopted by individuals living in regions such as Galicia or Asturias during the Middle Ages. The name Ribote has roots in the Old Spanish word "ribota" which means millstone, referring to a large, flat stone used in grinding grains.

Throughout history, various branches of the Ribote family have emigrated and spread across different parts of Europe and the Americas. Notable bearers of this name include the Ribote de Pouio family from Galicia, who were known for their contributions to the maritime industry during the 16th century.

In terms of genealogical records, the earliest known Ribote ancestors can be traced back to the late medieval period in Spain. As with many Spanish surnames, the exact origin and spread of the Ribote family is subject to ongoing research and may continue to reveal more about their heritage and history in the future.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ribote"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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