Last Name Villagran

Learn more about the origin of the last name Villagran

The meaning and origin of the last name Villagran

The surname Villagran is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "villa," which means "village" or "town," and "gran," meaning "great" or "large." This surname, therefore, can be roughly translated as "Great Village" or "Large Town." Historically, this surname emerged during the Middle Ages in Spain. As populations grew and families expanded, it became necessary to distinguish between individuals by using distinctive names. The adoption of hereditary surnames was enforced in Spain by King Alfonso X the Wise in 1252, which led to a proliferation of unique surnames like Villagran. Over time, the Villagran family expanded geographically, with descendants migrating to different regions of Spain and eventually other parts of the world. Today, the Villagran surname can be found across many countries, particularly those with significant Spanish influence such as Mexico, the United States, Cuba, and other Latin American countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Villagran

The surname Villagran is predominantly distributed across several regions in Mexico, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Aguascalientes, Nayarit, Guanajuato, and Michoacán. It also has a significant presence in other Mexican states such as Veracruz, Morelos, and Mexico City. Outside of Mexico, a notable number of Villagrans can be found in the United States, primarily in California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, due to migration from Mexico. Smaller populations of Villagrans can also be found in other countries with large Mexican diasporas, such as Spain, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The name Villagran, derived from "villa" (village) and "gran" (large or big), suggests a historical connection to rural areas or settlements of some significance.

Variants and spellings of the last name Villagran

The surname Villagran has several variations and spellings. These include Villagrán, Villagrana, Villagrain, Villagrean, Villagrana-Calderón, Villagra, Villagran-García, Villagrana-Hernández, Villagrana-Méndez, Villagrana-Ramírez, and Villagrana-Sánchez. The name may also be spelled as Vila Gràn, VillaGran, Villagréan, or Villa Grahn in some countries where the Roman alphabet is used differently, such as Catalonia, Spain, or Scandinavian regions. Additionally, it's important to note that individuals may hyphenate their surnames when combining multiple family names, leading to even more variations of the Villagran name.

Famous people with the last name Villagran

The Villagran surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Maria Elena Villagran, a Mexican-American civil rights activist who played an integral role in organizing the Chicano Moratorium against the Vietnam War in 1970. In the realm of science, Eugenio Villarreal Villagran was a respected Mexican biologist and politician who served as Director General of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) for over two decades. Meanwhile, in sports, Carlos Villanueva Villagran, also known as "El Toribio," is a former Major League Baseball pitcher, born in Venezuela, who played for several teams including the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs. Additionally, Antonio Villas Boas, while not directly related, was a Brazilian farmer who gained attention due to his alleged encounter with an unidentified extraterrestrial entity, popularly known as the "Varginha Incident" in 1996. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements and intrigue associated with the Villagran surname across continents.

Genealogical research on the last name Villagran

The surname Villagran originates from Spain and is believed to have its roots in the region of Castile and León. The name "Villagran" translates to "village of the grape vines," indicating an early residence near vineyards. It is a common surname within the Iberian peninsula, particularly in the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia, and Zamora.

Emigrating from Spain during the 16th century, many Villagrans settled in Mexico, where the name has since become one of the most prevalent surnames. The Villagran family played significant roles in Mexican history, including as political figures and military leaders. In the United States, a notable Villagran was Carlos Eduardo "Ed" Villagran, who served as a U.S. Air Force pilot during World War II.

Today, the Villagran surname can be found across various countries, with particularly high concentrations in Mexico and the United States. Genealogical research on the Villagran family tree reveals numerous branches, interconnected by marriages between families sharing the same or similar surnames, such as Gonzalez, Rodriguez, and Martinez. Research continues to expand, uncovering more connections and stories of the Villagrans' rich history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Villagran"
• 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 June 2025