Last Name Vergel

The surname Vergel has origins that can be traced back to Spain. It is derived from a place name, specifically a town named Vergel located in the province of Valencia. The name Vergel translates to "orchard" or "garden" in Spanish. Surnames derived from place names were common during the Middle Ages as people often took their surnames from the places where they lived or originated.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vergel

The meaning and origin of the last name Vergel

The surname Vergel is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "verga," which means "thorn bush" or "hedge." This toponymic surname originally referred to someone who lived near a thorny plantation or came from a place named Vergel, which can be found in several regions of Spain. The name is also associated with the concept of verdant or green surroundings, as "verde" (green) and "vergel" share similar roots in Latin. Over time, variations of this surname have arisen due to differences in regional spelling and pronunciation, such as Vergeal, Vergiel, and Verjell.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vergel

The surname Vergel has a significant presence in Spain, particularly in Galicia, where it originates from the town of Verín. In recent years, its usage has expanded across various Spanish provinces, with notable concentrations in Madrid and Barcelona. Outside Spain, the distribution is relatively low but can be found among the Hispanic communities in Latin America, such as Argentina, Mexico, Chile, and Puerto Rico. The diaspora of Galician immigrants throughout history may account for its appearance in other parts of the world, including Portugal and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vergel

The surname Vergel has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical transcription errors. Some of the most common variants include:

1. Vergele: A variation that slightly alters the spelling of the original name.
2. Bergal: An alternative spelling that may have resulted from phonetic variations over time.
3. Vargel: A less common variant with a slight change in the second syllable.
4. Verjel, Verjell: Variations where the 'r' and 'l' switch positions within the second syllable.
5. Berjuel, Berjuell, Berjuelas: These variations may have arisen from regional dialects or changes in spelling over time.
6. Varjela, Varjelo: These are less common variations that slightly alter the pronunciation and spelling of Vergel.
7. Bergall: A variant that swaps the 'r' and 'l' sounds within the second syllable.
8. Bergael: Another variation that changes the spelling of the second syllable.
9. Varjel, Varjil: Variants with a slight alteration in the second syllable.
10. Verjellas, Vergela: Variations that may have developed due to regional dialects or transcription errors.

Famous people with the last name Vergel

Notable individuals with the surname Vergel include:

1. Carlos Vergel (born 1962), a Puerto Rican composer and musician who has written music for various films, including "El Cantante" and "Carlito's Way."

2. Eduardo Vergel (1883-1945), a Cuban poet and literary critic who is considered one of the most important figures in the modernist movement in Cuba. His works include "Poesías Completas" and "El Mundo que Ahora Nos Muerde el Alma."

3. Jorge Vergel (born 1950), a Mexican businessman and entrepreneur who is the founder of SENER, one of Mexico's largest engineering firms. He has also served as Mexico's Secretary of Energy.

4. Raúl Vergel (1874-1926), a Chilean journalist and politician who was Minister of Public Instruction during the government of President Pedro Aguirre Cerda. He is known for his work in education reform, particularly in promoting the use of indigenous languages in schools.

5. Ramón Vergel (1870-1943), a Puerto Rican politician who served as Secretary of State under Presidents Charles H. Allen and James Wickersham. He was also a key figure in the creation of the University of Puerto Rico.

Genealogical research on the last name Vergel

The surname Vergel is primarily found in Spain, originating from the medieval period. One of the earliest known records of the name was Juan Vergel, who lived during the late 15th century. However, the exact origins of the name are unclear as it is not listed among the traditional Spanish patronymic surnames that arose from the naming of sons after their fathers. Some theories suggest it could be derived from a place-name or occupational title, although these have yet to be definitively proven. The name spread throughout Spain and its territories, with notable families such as the Vergel de Carvajal and Vergel de Arizcun settling in Aragon, Castile, and Navarre regions. In modern times, descendants of the Vergel family can be found not only in Spain but also in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vergel"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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