Last Name Varela

The last name Varela originates from Spain. It is derived from the Latin word "varella," which means "thrush" or "blackbird." The name is mainly found in the Galicia region of northwestern Spain. Over time, the name has spread to other Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world through migration and immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Varela

The meaning and origin of the last name Varela

The surname Varela has its origins in the country of Spain. It is a surname that is associated with the region of Galicia in Northwestern Spain. The name Varela is derived from the Galician and Portuguese word "varela," which was used to refer to a small longboat or a type of fishing boat commonly used in the region. Thus, the surname likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who was a boatman or involved in the fishing industry in Galicia. Over time, individuals with the surname Varela migrated to other parts of the world, including the Americas, where they established new communities and continued to pass on their surname. Today, the surname Varela can be found in various Spanish-speaking countries around the world, as well as among their descendants in other nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Varela

The last name Varela has a significant geographical distribution primarily in the Spanish-speaking world. It is a surname of Spanish origin and is particularly prevalent in Spain and its former colonies. In Spain, it can be found throughout the country, with higher concentrations in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria. The surname Varela is also common in countries like Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, where Spanish colonization had a major influence. In Argentina, it is relatively widespread due to a considerable number of Spanish immigrants who settled there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Similarly, in Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia, the surname Varela can be traced back to Spanish settlers. However, it is worth noting that due to global immigration patterns, the name Varela can also be found in various countries outside of the Spanish-speaking world, albeit in smaller numbers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Varela

The last name Varela, originating from the Iberian Peninsula, can have various spellings and variations throughout different regions and countries. Common variations include Varella, Varella, Varella, Varelas, Varelaa, Varella, Varello, and Varrela. These differing spellings may have arisen from migration and historical influences, such as the Spanish colonization of Latin America and the Philippines. In some cases, the name may have evolved due to language changes and different phonetic interpretations across generations. For example, Varella or Varella could be the result of regional accents, while Varelas may have emerged through the pluralization of the original surname. Additionally, individuals may have chosen to modify the spelling of their last names when migrating to new countries, adopting a spelling more aligned with the local language or customs. As a result, the last name Varela has a rich array of variations, each representing a distinctive history and background.

Famous people with the last name Varela

There are several famous individuals with the last name Varela who have made notable contributions in different fields. One such prominent figure is Paz Vega Varela, a Spanish actress known for her roles in movies such as "Sex and Lucia" and "Spanglish." With her impressive talent and captivating performances, she has garnered international recognition, including nominations for prestigious awards. Another notable individual is Ignacio Varela Varela, a Uruguayan footballer who played as a defender. Throughout his career, Varela was known for his solid defensive skills and played for top clubs like Atletico Madrid and Porto. He also represented Uruguay in various international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Both Paz Vega Varela and Ignacio Varela Varela have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Varela

The last name Varela is of Spanish origin and has an interesting genealogical history. It is derived from the Latin word "varius," meaning various or differing. The name suggests that its initial bearers might have had a diverse or varied background. The surname Varela is commonly found in the Asturias region of Spain, particularly in the cities of Oviedo and Gijón. Throughout history, members of the Varela family may have migrated from their ancestral home in Asturias to other parts of Spain, as well as to other countries in Europe and the Americas. Researching the genealogy of the Varela surname will likely uncover connections to individuals who have carried the name throughout the centuries, shedding light on the family's intricate branches and potential connections to other families. Additionally, further investigation might reveal notable individuals, achievements, or contributions associated with the Varela name, enriching the family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Varela"
• 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 April 2025

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