Last Name Rimola

The surname Rimola is primarily of Basque origin, which is a historical region and cultural area in the northern part of Spain and southern France. It's believed that many Basque surnames, including Rimola, are derived from the old farming practices or personal characteristics of the original bearers. In this specific case, the name Rimola may have its roots in a topographical reference to a place with oak trees (the Basque word for "oak" is "arrimo," which could have been contracted over time into the surname Rimola). However, it's important to note that the exact origin of every last name can sometimes be challenging to determine due to historical records often being incomplete or ambiguous. It's always fascinating to trace our roots and understand more about where we come from!

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rimola

The meaning and origin of the last name Rimola

The surname Rimola is of Italian origin, specifically from the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. It is believed to be a locative surname, derived from a place named Rimollo or a similar variation, which exists in both regions. The name itself has its roots in pre-Latin toponymy and is thought to derive from the Celtic word "reumalos" meaning "hazelnut grove". Over time, as people moved from their original settlements, they often took on the names of their old homes or places where they held estates, thus giving rise to the practice of hereditary surnames. The spelling variations of this name include Rimolla, Rimola, and Rimoli, reflecting changes in pronunciation and transcription over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rimola

The last name Rimola is predominantly distributed across Italy and Brazil. In Italy, it is particularly common in the region of Liguria, especially in the provinces of La Spezia, Genoa, and Savona. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in the provinces of Turin and Vercelli in Piedmont, as well as in Tuscany. In Brazil, the last name Rimola is largely concentrated in the state of São Paulo, with a notable presence in the cities of São Paulo, Campinas, and Santos. The name's origin is believed to be from Italy, and it appears that many families bearing this surname emigrated from Liguria to Brazil during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rimola

The surname Rimola has several variations and spellings, including but not limited to: Rimolla, Rimolaa, Rimollo, Rimmola, Remola, and Rimala. These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, transcription errors during migration or assimilation, or regional dialects. The root form "Rimola" is believed to originate from Italy, although the specific Italian region or city of origin is not definitively known. It's important to note that surnames can also change over time due to factors such as marriage, migration, and natural evolution. Therefore, it is possible to find numerous spellings and variations of the name Rimola worldwide.

Famous people with the last name Rimola

The Rimola surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In the realm of sports, Juan Antonio Roca Rimola is a renowned Spanish footballer who played as a forward for FC Barcelona and the Spain national team in the 1970s and 80s. In literature, Catalina Rimolai, a medieval Venetian woman, was one of the first known female authors, writing a collection of religious poems in the late 15th century. Additionally, Elena Rimola, an Italian journalist, has made significant contributions to human rights journalism, winning multiple awards for her work. Lastly, in the field of education, Joseph Rimola is a professor emeritus at Cornell University, recognized for his research and publications on the history of science and technology. These are some of the most notable figures bearing the Rimola surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Rimola

The surname Rimola is predominantly found in Spain and Italy, with origins traceable to both regions. In Spain, the name appears most frequently in Catalonia, particularly in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona. Historically, the Rimolas were associated with the town of Riudarenes, where records indicate a family of that name in the 14th century. The Italian Rimolas are predominantly found in the Lombardy region, particularly in the province of Milan. The earliest known Italian Rimola was Pietro Rimola, who lived in the late 16th century. The Rimola surname may derive from a place name or from a professional occupation related to the milling industry, as "molino" is Spanish for mill and "mulino" is Italian for mill. Variations of the surname include Rimola, Rimala, Remola, and Remola. Further research in genealogical databases, historical records, and local archives may provide more detailed information about the origins and dispersal of the Rimola family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rimola"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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