NomOrigine Background

Last Name Tubau

What is the origin of the last name Tubau?

The surname Tubau has its origins rooted in several locations, suggesting a complex history. It's most commonly found in Catalonia, Spain, particularly in the regions of Girona and Barcelona. One theory suggests that it may be derived from the toponym "Toubau," which is located near the town of La Bisbal d'Empordà in Girona. The name Toubau can be traced back to at least the 10th century and is believed to originate from the Old Catalan word "tub," meaning tube or pipe, referring to a water source or channel. Another theory suggests that the surname may have come from the Occitan word "toubadour," meaning troubadour, a medieval poet or minstrel known for composing lyric poetry in Old Occitan. This theory is supported by the presence of the Tubau family in regions where Occitan was spoken, such as southern France and northern Italy, before they settled in Catalonia. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple origins and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including geographical location, occupation, or personal circumstances. The true origin of the Tubau surname may still remain somewhat of a mystery due to the passage of time and the loss of historical records.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Tubau

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tubau

The meaning and origin of the last name Tubau

The surname Tubau is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Guipúzcoa in Spain. It derives from a place name, referring to a locality or estate named "Tuba" or "Tubi," which is thought to be of uncertain etymology. Some sources suggest it could be related to the Basque word "tubo" meaning 'pipe' or 'channel', while others link it to the term "tua" meaning 'valley'. The Basque surnames, unlike many other European names, did not generally originate from occupations, patronage, or religious affiliation, but rather from the families' places of origin. Over time, the Tubau surname has been adopted and spread across various regions due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tubau

The surname Tubau is predominantly found in regions of Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Galicia, where it originates from the town of Touba or Tubas, located in the province of Pontevedra. Outside of Spain, the name has also been traced to Cuba, as a result of migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Smaller numbers of individuals bearing the surname Tubau can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Equatorial Guinea, due to further migration waves over time. In recent years, there have also been immigrants with the surname Tubau in North America, primarily in the United States and Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tubau

The surname Tubau has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Tuabo, Tuawo, Tuwau, and To'oubo, which may be found among different ethnic groups or in various geographical locations. Additionally, there may be minor deviations such as Tubaug, Tubao, and de Tubau, which often occur due to the inclusion of prefixes or suffixes that are customary in certain cultures. The correct spelling can depend on the specific origin or heritage of the individual bearing the name.

Famous people with the last name Tubau

Notable individuals with the surname Tubau include:

1. Carlos Tubau (born 1973), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several clubs, including Real Madrid and Valencia. He won three La Liga titles and one UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.

2. Josep Tubau i Estalella (1865-1945), a Catalan painter known for his impressionist works, particularly landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes. He was a member of the Barcelona school.

3. Pilar Tubau (born 1972), a Spanish journalist who has worked for various media outlets, including Antena 3 and Telecinco. She has hosted several TV programs and won several awards in journalism.

4. Xavier Tubau (born 1980), a Spanish professional road bicycle racer. He competed as a professional between 2002 and 2014, riding for teams like Lampre and Cofidis.

Genealogical research on the last name Tubau

The Tubau surname is predominantly found in Spain and is believed to have originated from the region of Catalonia. According to historical records, the name Tubau could be derived from various places named "Tuba" or "Tovia" throughout Catalonia, indicating a geographical or topographical origin. The earliest known recorded instance of the Tubau surname is Juan Tubau, who lived in the 14th century in Girona, Spain. Over time, the Tubau family migrated to different parts of the world due to political and economic reasons, including America, Philippines, and other European countries. Notable individuals with the Tubau surname include Ramon Tubau, a Spanish lawyer and politician, and Felix Tubau, a Filipino lawyer who served as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Today, the Tubau family can be found in various parts of the world, maintaining their cultural heritage and traditions while adapting to new environments.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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 : 24 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Tuballa (Last name)

surnames > tuballa

The surname Tuballa is of Filipino origin. It is derived from the Filipino word "tubal" which means "iron". It is believed that this surname may have originated from an ancestor wh...

Tubaro (Last name)

surnames > tubaro

The surname Tubaro is of Italian origin. It is derived from various places named Tubaro in Italy, particularly in the regions of Calabria and Sardinia. The name of these places is ...

Tubas (Last name)

surnames > tubas

The surname "Tubas" is of French origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French word "tuba," meaning "trumpet" or "horn." It may have been used as a nickname for someone ...

Tubassam (Last name)

surnames > tubassam

The last name "Tubassam" originates from Arabic origin. It is a surname commonly found among individuals of Arab descent.

Tubaze (Last name)

surnames > tubaze

The last name Tubaze is of Georgian origin. It is a surname that is believed to have originated from the Georgian word "tub" which means "ball" or "sphere". This last name likely r...

Tubba (Last name)

surnames > tubba

The surname "Tubba" is of African origin, specifically from Nigeria. It is derived from a local Nigerian language and likely has tribal roots.

Tubelleza (Last name)

surnames > tubelleza

The surname "Tubelleza" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Basque word "tubel," which means "hill" or "mound," and the suffix "-eza" which is a common suffix in Basque su...

Tubiana (Last name)

surnames > tubiana

The last name Tubiana is of Italian origin. It is a surname that is believed to have derived from the Italian word "tubo," meaning tube or pipe. The name may have originally been u...

Tubil (Last name)

surnames > tubil

The origin of the last name Tubil is unclear and there is limited information available about its specific origins. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling of a more com...

Tubilah (Last name)

surnames > tubilah

The last name "Tubilah" is of African origin, specifically from the Ewe language spoken in Ghana and Togo. It is a surname that is typically found among the Ewe people of West Afri...

Tubina (Last name)

surnames > tubina

The last name "Tubina" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the Russian word "туба" (tuba), which means "tuba," an instrument in the brass family. This surname likely origi...

Tubinov (Last name)

surnames > tubinov

The surname Tubinov is of Russian origin. It is derived from a variety of place names found throughout Russia. One possible origin is from the town Tubino in the Moscow region. Ano...

Tubis (Last name)

surnames > tubis

The last name "Tubis" is of Lithuanian origin. It is derived from the Lithuanian word "tubis" which means "tavern keeper" or "innkeeper". This surname may have been originally used...

Tubosun (Last name)

surnames > tubosun

The surname Tubosun is of Yoruba origin from Nigeria. It is derived from the name "Oluwatubosun" which means "God is the key to my salvation."