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Last Name Taltavull

What is the origin of the last name Taltavull?

The last name "Taltavull" is of Catalan origin. It is derived from a place-name in the region of Catalonia, Spain, specifically the municipality of Lluchmayor, located in the eastern part of the island of Mallorca. The name of this place is Taltávull, which can be translated to "tall almugavell" in English, meaning "tall walnut tree." Over time, it became a surname as families were identified by their places of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Taltavull

The meaning and origin of the last name Taltavull

The surname Taltavull is of Catalan origin, particularly associated with the region of Mallorca, one of the Balearic Islands in Spain. It is derived from the place name "Talat-Avall," which translates to "Lower Talat" in Catalan. In the feudal system common during the Middle Ages, lands were often identified by their geographical features or relative locations (upper, lower, etc.), and these names were later adopted as surnames. The Taltavull family can trace their roots back to this region, where they have been prominent figures in its history for centuries. Today, the name is still quite common among Mallorcans, reflecting both its historical significance and the island's rich Catalan heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Taltavull

The surname Taltavull is predominantly found in the Balearic Islands, specifically in the island of Mallorca, Spain. It originates from this region and has been carried by generations of families residing there for centuries. The name is particularly common in the rural areas of the Serra de Tramuntana, a mountain range along the northwest coast of Mallorca. The Taltavull family is also found in smaller numbers on the islands of Ibiza and Formentera within the Balearic archipelago. The distribution of this surname outside the Balearic Islands is minimal, with isolated instances in mainland Spain and other parts of Europe due to migration over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Taltavull

The surname Taltavull has multiple variations and spellings. They include Taltafull, Talltavell, Tallafull, Talletfell, and Taltaful. Some phonetic variations that may be found are Taltovall, Talabull, or Taltaval. Occasionally, it might also appear as Talltavol, Talltavaul, or Talltavuhl, with slight changes in the spelling of the final syllable. These variations can be attributed to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, and individual preference. Despite these differences, they all originate from the same Catalan ancestral name.

Famous people with the last name Taltavull

The Taltavull surname is primarily associated with Catalonia, Spain, and has produced several notable figures. One of the most distinguished is Francesc Taltavull i Font (1932-2016), a linguist and philologist who played a significant role in Catalan language studies. He was instrumental in the development of the Dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy and the Diccionari etimològic i complementari de la llengua catalana, two essential reference works for Catalan language learners.

Another prominent individual with the Taltavull surname is Jaume Taltavull (born 1957), a highly decorated sailor who represented Spain in the Soling class at the 1984 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal. In addition to his competitive sailing career, he has also been involved in yacht design and coaching.

Lastly, Montserrat Taltavull (born 1956) is a well-known Catalan painter who specializes in abstract expressionism. Her work has been exhibited in various galleries across Spain and beyond, including the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.

Genealogical research on the last name Taltavull

The surname Taltavull is primarily found in the Balearic Islands of Spain, particularly in the island of Ibiza. Originating from the Catalan language, "Taltavull" translates to "small field of thistles." The earliest known record of this name dates back to the late 14th century in Ibiza. Throughout history, the Taltavull family has played significant roles in local governance and religious institutions on the island. Notable members include Pere Taltavull (died 1507), who served as the Mayor of Ibiza, and Bartomeu Taltavull (died 1693), a prominent figure in the Confraria de la Mare de Déu de Vila, a religious brotherhood. Today, the Taltavull family has dispersed globally, with many descendants residing in various parts of Spain and other countries, preserving their unique heritage and traditions.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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