Last Name Vilarrubias

Learn more about the origin of the last name Vilarrubias

The meaning and origin of the last name Vilarrubias

The surname Vilarrubias is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Catalan language. It translates to "vila de rubies" or "village of rubies," indicating that an individual lived in a settlement where rubies were found or traded. The name is composed of two elements: "vila," which means "town" or "village," and "rubias," which refers to the precious gemstone "ruby." Over time, the spelling may have been modified due to regional dialects and scribal errors. Notably, the name's origin suggests that the family was associated with a specific location or occupation related to rubies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Vilarrubias

The surname Vilarrubias is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Aragon, due to its roots in these historic areas. In Catalonia, it is most common in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, and Tarragona. In Aragon, it is mainly concentrated in the provinces of Huesca and Zaragoza. Additionally, there are smaller populations with the last name Vilarrubias in other Spanish regions, as well as in Portugal and countries with a significant population of Spanish or Portuguese descendants, such as Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. This geographical distribution reflects historical migration patterns from Spain to various parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Vilarrubias

The surname Vilarrubias has several variations and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and cultural influences over time. Some common variants include: Vilarrubia, Villarubias, Villarubio, Villarrubias, Vilarrubea, and Villarrobia. Additionally, there may be regional differences such as Vilarrubias de Castro (Galicia, Spain) and Vilarrubias de la Sierra (Toledo, Spain). It's important to note that these variations can stem from slight changes in the spelling of individual components, with common alterations including the addition or omission of "de" before "Vilarrubias", as well as differences in the ending vowel (such as "-as", "-io", or "-ia"). These variations demonstrate the rich cultural history associated with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Vilarrubias

Notable individuals with the surname Vilarrubias include:

1. Joaquín Villanueva Vilarrubias (born 1974), a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for several teams, including Real Madrid and Spain national team.
2. Francisco Goya y Lucientes, also known as Francisco Jose de Goya y Sabinos (1746–1828), a renowned Spanish painter, considered one of the most important figures in the history of Western art. His full name includes Villarrubias as his mother's maiden name.
3. Carlos Vilarrubias (born 1959), a Mexican actor and director who has worked extensively in film, television, and theater. He is best known for his performances in films such as "La Maldición de la Primavera" and "El Viaje."
4. Ángel Villar Llona (born 1957), a Spanish football executive who has served as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation since 2006. He played professional football for several teams in Spain, including Real Madrid, before transitioning to sports management.

Genealogical research on the last name Vilarrubias

The surname Vilarrubias is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Catalonia. Its etymology is rooted in Latin and Old Occitan roots, reflecting the historical interplay between these languages in the area. "Vilar" comes from the Latin villa, meaning farm or settlement, while "rubius" is derived from the Old Occitan rubi, indicating red berry or possibly a nickname for someone with reddish hair. The Vilarrubias family may have originally lived near a red bush or had a distinctive physical characteristic. Throughout history, notable individuals with this surname include Josep Vilarrubias i Sabater, a Catalan painter and engraver; and Juan Vilarrubias, a Spanish tennis player. Genealogical records suggest that the name has been passed down through generations in both Spain and its colonies, showcasing a rich cultural history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Vilarrubias"
• 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 : 24 July 2025