Last Name Vilarrubi

The surname Vilarrubi is believed to have its origins in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. The name is derived from a place-name and is composed of two elements: "vila" meaning village or settlement, and "rubi," which comes from the Latin "rubius," meaning red. Thus, Vilarrubi likely refers to someone who lived near a red settlement or village. During the Late Middle Ages, the practice of taking on a surname became widespread in Europe as a means of identification. In Spain, this process began in the 10th century but did not become common until the 15th and 16th centuries. The surname Vilarrubi is among those that have their origins during this time period in Catalonia. It's worth noting that Catalonia has a rich history, with its own unique language, culture, and traditions, which may have influenced the development of surnames like Vilarrubi. Today, there are many individuals with the Vilarrubi surname not only in Catalonia but also in other parts of Spain, as well as in countries with significant Spanish immigration, such as Latin America and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vilarrubi

The meaning and origin of the last name Vilarrubi

The surname Vilarrubi is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Catalonia. It derives from a place name, indicating that an individual once resided near or owned property with vineyards (rubi means vine in Catalan) in a settled area (vila). Place names often evolved into surnames as a way to identify individuals within communities. The specific village or location referred to by the name Vilarrubi is believed to be one of several existing places bearing that name throughout Catalonia, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of the surname in this context. Over time, various spellings of the name have emerged due to differences in local dialects and scribes' interpretations, such as Vilarrubia or Vilarubi.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vilarrubi

The surname Vilarrubi has its roots in Catalonia, Spain, where it is most frequently found due to historical and cultural reasons. It is particularly common in the provinces of Barcelona, Tarragona, and Girona, reflecting the concentrations of speakers of the Catalan language in these regions. However, over time, people with the surname Vilarrubi have migrated and settled in various parts of the world as a result of historical events such as the Spanish Civil War and the migration to South America in the 20th century. Today, you can find individuals bearing this surname in countries like Argentina, Venezuela, United States, Canada, and Australia, among others. The name's geographical spread reflects the global movement of Catalans and their descendants throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vilarrubi

The surname Vilarrubi can have various spelling variants due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variations include: Vilarrúbia, Vilarrubia, Villarubia, Vilarubia, and Villarrubia. These versions may also appear with minor changes such as accents (e.g., Villarrúbi, Vilarrubí) or different capitalization (e.g., villarrubi, vilarrubi).

When transcribed from Catalan to other languages, such as English, the surname can undergo adjustments in spelling. For instance, a common alternative found among speakers of Spanish is Villarubio, while an anglicized version is often written as Vilarrube or VillaRuby. Additionally, variations may arise due to errors in documentation or natural changes over time.

Famous people with the last name Vilarrubi

Notable individuals with the surname Vilarrubi include:

1. Josep Maria Vilarrubi i Galobart (1889-1974), a Catalan sculptor known for his works such as "El monestir de Poblet" and "La Sagrada Familia".
2. Xavier Vilarrubi (born 1960), a Spanish historian, specializing in the history of the Roman Empire and Late Antiquity. His notable works include "Roma y el Imperio Romano en la historiografía medieval española" and "La España romana: Historia de una invención".
3. Lluís Vilarrubi (born 1964), a Spanish journalist, writer, and TV presenter. He is best known for his work on the Spanish news program "Telediario", as well as his books "La vida no es un musical" and "Escritos de mala luz".
4. Carles Vilarrubi (born 1965), a Catalan composer, pianist, and musicologist who has made significant contributions to the revival of Catalan sacred music in the post-Franco era. His notable works include "Missa de la Verge del Carme", "Gloria de Nadal", and "Requiem".
5. Joan Vilarrubi (born 1970), a Spanish politician who has served as Mayor of Mataró, Catalonia, since 2018. He is a member of the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia party.

Genealogical research on the last name Vilarrubi

The Vilarrubi surname originates from Catalonia, Spain. It is derived from the toponymic place names "Vilarrubi" or "Vilarrubí," which mean "new settlement surrounded by oaks." The first recorded instance of this name dates back to the 10th century in the region of Barcelona.

Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the Vilarrubi surname include the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí i Cornet and the Spanish poet Salvador Espriu. The Vilarrubis migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas over centuries, establishing settlements in countries like France, Italy, Argentina, and Cuba.

In genealogical records, variations such as Vilarrúbia, Villarubia, Vilarubiá, or Vil-Arubi may be encountered due to differences in spelling and transcription over time. Today, the Vilarrubi family can still be found predominantly in Catalonia and other Spanish-speaking regions.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vilarrubi"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends