Last Name Viladomat

The surname "Viladomat" originates from Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is derived from the medieval occupation of a mill-keeper (in Catalan, 'moliner') and refers to someone who managed a watermill. Over time, it evolved into the modern spelling of Viladomat. The name is particularly common in villages near Girona, as many villagers in this region had their occupations reflected in their surnames during the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Viladomat

The meaning and origin of the last name Viladomat

The surname Viladomat is of Catalan origin. It is derived from the Old Occitan word "vila," which means town or village, and "domus" or "domat," meaning house or dwelling. In medieval times, this surname would have been used to identify someone who lived in a notable or significant village or town, often outside of their primary settlement. As Catalonia has historically been influenced by both French and Iberian cultures, it is not surprising that the name carries influences from both languages. The use of -mat as a suffix was common in Catalan surnames during the Middle Ages, denoting that the family resided in a house or area associated with that specific village or town. Today, the Viladomat surname can be found primarily among families of Catalan descent, although it may also appear elsewhere due to migration and assimilation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Viladomat

The surname Viladomat is predominantly found in Catalonia, an autonomous community in northeastern Spain, particularly in its four provinces: Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, and Tarragona. These regions constitute the heartland of Catalan culture where the usage of the Catalan language is prevalent. The name Viladomat, derived from "vila" (village) and "domus" (house), suggests a historical connection to rural areas within these provinces. While it is most concentrated in Catalonia, sporadic occurrences of the surname can be found in other parts of Spain and overseas, as a result of migration and natural population movements.

Variants and spellings of the last name Viladomat

The surname Viladomat has several spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Viladoms, Viladumat, Viladoma, Vilaldomat, Viladomb, Viladom, Viladome, Villadomat, Villadom, Villadomes, Viladomez, and others. These variations may arise from factors such as regional dialects, errors in transcription, or changes in the family name over generations. Despite these differences, they all can be traced back to the original form of the name.

Famous people with the last name Viladomat

The Viladomat family is notably represented by two significant individuals:

1. Josep Maria Viladomat i Sans (1897-1976): A renowned Catalan architect, Josep Maria was a key figure in the Modernist movement in Spain. He designed numerous buildings in Barcelona, including the Casa de la Caridad and the Church of Sant Andreu de Palomar. His style combined traditional Catalan forms with modern elements, making his work a unique contribution to the rich architectural heritage of Barcelona.

2. Ramon Viladomat i Vidal (1860-1934): A Spanish politician and jurist, he served as Minister of Justice in the governments of King Alfonso XIII from 1907 to 1910, and again from 1912 to 1918. Viladomat was also a senator and played an important role in drafting the Spanish Constitution of 1931, which established Spain as a democratic parliamentary monarchy.

Genealogical research on the last name Viladomat

The surname Viladomat has roots traced back to the Catalonia region in northeastern Spain. Its etymology is derived from the Old Catalan "vila" (meaning 'town') and "domus" (meaning 'house'). The name suggests a person associated with a notable family residing in a small town. The first documented instance of this surname was found in the 13th century during the reign of King James I of Aragon, where several individuals bearing the Viladomat name were recorded in the city of Girona and its surrounding villages. Throughout history, members of this family played significant roles in various professions including agriculture, craftsmanship, and the military, contributing to their local communities and regional expansion of the surname. Today, descendants of the Viladomat family are found primarily in Spain, but also in other parts of Europe and the Americas due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Viladomat"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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