Last Name Tolde

The surname "Tolde" has roots in several European countries. It is believed to have originated from the Germanic tribes, particularly the Thuringians and Thule, who were early Germanic peoples that inhabited much of northern Europe during the Migration Period (400-600 AD). The name Tolde can be a shortened or variant form of several given names in these cultures. For instance, it could be derived from the Old High German "Thol(d)i" which means "the Thuler's people." It could also stem from the Old Norse "Þóðólfr," composed of the elements þóðr ("people") and ulfr ("wolf"), meaning "wolf of the people." However, it is essential to note that surnames with similar spelling and potential origins have different histories and may not share a direct link with the Tolde name. It is always recommended to consult historical records and genealogical resources for accurate information regarding one's specific family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tolde

The meaning and origin of the last name Tolde

The surname Tolde is of Basque origin, being most common among the population of the Basque Country, which spans across northern Spain and southwestern France. The name is derived from the Basque tolde, meaning "small hill" or "mound," reflecting the geographical characteristics of the region. Over time, this geographic term evolved into a surname, passed down through families residing in these areas. As with many Basque surnames, Tolde does not have a direct translation to other languages, further emphasizing its unique cultural roots and history. The variation "Toledo" is more commonly found outside of the Basque region, representing a Spanish adaptation of the name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tolde

The surname Tolde is predominantly found in Spain, specifically in the autonomous communities of Castile and León, Galicia, and Asturias. Historically, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this last name can be traced to provinces such as Palencia, Valladolid, and León within Castile and León, reflecting its deep roots in these regions. Smaller populations reside in other parts of Spain, as well as in Portugal and some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, due to historical migration patterns. The name Tolde is also found in smaller numbers in other European countries, such as France and Italy, where Spanish and Portuguese immigrants have settled over the centuries. It's worth noting that this distribution reflects both the historical origins of the Tolde family and contemporary patterns of migration and dispersion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tolde

The surname Tolde has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common variations include: Toledo, Todo, Toldo, Tolotto, Toloti, Tollodi, Toldi, and Toledano. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or regional dialects. The most prevalent version is Toledo, which is the Spanish form of the name and is used widely across Spain, as well as in countries with a significant Spanish influence such as the United States, Mexico, Philippines, and others. It's essential to note that these variations may also have distinct meanings or associations depending on the region and culture where they are used. For instance, Toledo in Spain refers to a historic city famous for its architectural heritage. In Italian, Toldo is a diminutive form of Antonio. The various spellings serve as a testament to the rich cultural exchange and migration that has occurred throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Tolde

Notable individuals bearing the surname Toledo include:

1. Raul Julia (1940-1994), a Puerto Rican-American actor, best known for his roles in films such as "The Addams Family," "Kiss of the Spider Woman," and "Street Smart."
2. Zoltán Toledo (1873-1965), a Hungarian architect and urban planner, who was instrumental in the development of Budapest's Andrássy Avenue, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Salomón de Toledo (c. 1480-1555), a Jewish scholar and rabbi known for his work in Kabbalah and Talmudic studies. He served as the chief rabbi of Venice from 1527 until his death.
4. Miguel Toledo (b. 1963), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder, notably for Real Madrid and Spain's national team during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He won multiple La Liga titles and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.
5. José Toledo (b. 1983), a Chilean footballer who plays as a forward for O'Higgins in the Primera División de Chile. He has also represented Chile at international level, competing in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Copa América.

Genealogical research on the last name Tolde

The surname Tolde originates from the Basque region of Spain and the adjacent areas of southern France, particularly Navarre and Labourd. It is one of many Basque surnames that have been passed down through generations. The name is believed to be derived from various topographical features such as hills or valleys in the Basque Country, with possible variations like Toledo, Toldo, or Tolda.

Historically, the Basques have maintained a distinct cultural identity, language, and society that predates the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Tolde family would have likely been part of this ancient community, with their name reflecting their geographical origins. Over time, members of the Tolde family migrated and settled in other regions, including Castile, Aragon, and Catalonia within Spain, as well as the French Basque Country and the New World.

The Tolde family can be traced back to medieval records, with documented genealogies dating from the 16th century. Notable Tolde descendants include priests, lawyers, merchants, and farmers, reflecting the diversity of occupations within Basque society. Today, the Tolde name is carried by families scattered across Europe, America, and other parts of the world, preserving their unique cultural heritage while adapting to new environments.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tolde"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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