Last Name Ripoll

The surname Ripoll is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Ripoll, located in Catalonia, northeastern Spain. Over time, families who lived in or near this location adopted the name as their own when hereditary surnames were introduced in the Late Middle Ages. The name Ripoll comes from the Latin "rapula," meaning a small brook or rivulet. This is fitting given that the town of Ripoll is situated next to a river.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ripoll

The meaning and origin of the last name Ripoll

The surname Ripoll is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Catalonia, where it's most concentrated in the provinces of Barcelona and Girona. It derives from the place-name "Ripoll", a town located in the La Garrotxa region of Catalonia, which was first documented in the 9th century. The name Ripoll is thought to have been derived from the Latin 'ripis' meaning 'bank', referring to the town's location by a river. Over time, as families residing in or originating from Ripoll moved elsewhere, they adopted this name as their surname, spreading its usage throughout Spain and beyond. Today, the Ripoll surname can be found across the globe among descendants of Catalan immigrants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ripoll

The surname Ripoll is predominantly found within the Catalan-speaking regions of Spain, particularly in the province of Girona, where it is among the top 20 most common surnames. Its highest concentrations are in the comarques (districts) of La Garrotxa and El Gironès, with smaller numbers in other parts of Catalonia. Additionally, there are significant populations bearing the Ripoll surname in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Misiones, Corrientes, and Entre Ríos. This is attributable to the large-scale migration from Catalonia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Smaller numbers of people with this surname can also be found in other countries, such as France, Andorra, and the United States, where they are likely descendants of Spanish or Catalan immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ripoll

The surname Ripoll has various spellings and pronunciations due to historical and regional differences. Some common variations include Ripoll, Ripol, Ripoil, Ripoi, Ripoille, and Ripoyle. These variations may arise from phonetic changes or transliteration of the name into different languages over time. It is important to note that genealogical research can help determine the original spelling and pronunciation of a particular family line. Additionally, some individuals may choose to anglicize their surnames for personal reasons or assimilation purposes, leading to further variations. The name Ripoll is believed to have origins in Catalonia, Spain, where it comes from the term "riu pol" meaning "river of pools." It is also found among Sephardic Jewish communities who were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition and later settled in various parts of Europe and the Americas.

Famous people with the last name Ripoll

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Ripoll are: * Jordi Ripoll (born 1967), Spanish footballer who played as a defender for clubs such as Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Rayo Vallecano, as well as the Spanish national team. * Lluís Ripoll i Roca (1849–1920), Catalan jurist and political figure who served as Minister of Justice and Interior under the Catalan Republic in 1873-1874. * Eduardo Ripoll (born 1967), American mathematician known for his work on dynamical systems, chaos theory, and nonlinear partial differential equations. * David Ripoll (born 1980), Spanish film director and screenwriter whose debut feature film, "Amar", won the Goya Award for Best New Director in 2002. * Laura Ripoll (born 1976), Spanish actress who has appeared in films such as "The Sea Inside" and "Alatriste". These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and their accomplishments demonstrate the diverse talents and interests of people with the last name Ripoll.

Genealogical research on the last name Ripoll

The surname Ripoll has roots traceable to several regions in Spain, particularly Catalonia and Aragon, dating back to the Middle Ages. In Catalonia, it is believed to have originated from the town of Ripoll, a historic site with important Romanesque architecture. The name is derived from the Latin "ripale," meaning "bank of a river." In Aragon, one notable lineage of the Ripoll family can be traced back to the 14th century, where they held significant influence as nobles and landowners during the reigns of several Aragonese monarchs. The Ripoll family also made migrations to other parts of Spain, such as Valencia and Navarre, further expanding their lineage. In Europe, the name can also be found in France, Italy, and Portugal due to emigration and colonization from the Iberian Peninsula.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ripoll"
• 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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