Last Name Villarroel

The surname "Villarroel" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place-name in Aragon, Spain, where it was first used as a hereditary surname. The name "Villa" refers to a settlement or village, and "Roel" is a personal name. Over time, this surname has been spelled differently due to variations in transcription and translation, such as Villarroeles, Villaroel, Villaruel, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Villarroel

The meaning and origin of the last name Villarroel

The surname Villarroel is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian words "villa" meaning "village" or "town," and "roel," which is a diminutive form of "ruel" or "rocky place." This name indicates that an early ancestor resided in a small, rocky town or village. The surname Villarroel first appeared during the Middle Ages in medieval Spain, as many Castilian families adopted the practice of using hereditary surnames to differentiate themselves from their neighbors and facilitate record keeping. Today, the Villarroel surname is most common in Spain, South America, and among Spanish-speaking populations around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Villarroel

The surname Villarroel is primarily concentrated in South America, particularly in countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru, where it ranks among the most common last names. In Bolivia, it is one of the top 20 surnames and is most prevalent in the departments of La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. In Ecuador, it can be found mainly in the provinces of Pichincha, Guayas, and Loja. In Peru, the highest concentration of Villarroels can be observed in Lima, Trujillo, and Ayacucho regions. Additionally, smaller populations of individuals with the Villarroel surname can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Mexico, as well as in some parts of the United States, particularly Florida, due to immigration from South America. The origin of the name Villarroel is derived from "villa" (village) and "roel" (royal), indicating a noble or prominent figure from a village.

Variants and spellings of the last name Villarroel

The surname Villarroel has several variations and spellings. Some of the most common ones include Villarreal, Vilarrull, Vilaró, Vilarroel, Villaroel, Villaró, Vilarrubi, Vilarruela, Villaruel, and Villarolla. These variations can be found in various countries such as Spain, Mexico, Peru, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and other Spanish-speaking regions. The name is derived from the Old Spanish word "villa," meaning village or settlement, and "roel" or "rodrigo," a personal name. Variations may also stem from regional dialects, transcription errors, or personal preference when immigrating to new countries.

Famous people with the last name Villarroel

Notable individuals sharing the surname Villarroel include:

1. Jorge Luis Villarroel (born 1947), Bolivian economist who served as Minister of Finance and Public Credit from 2010 to 2013.

2. Ricardo Villarroel (1868–1919), a key figure in the modernization movement of Bolivia, serving as President from 1913 until his assassination.

3. Carlos Villarroel (born 1945), Venezuelan-American physicist and Professor Emeritus at Columbia University, known for his work on quantum field theory.

4. Ana Villarroel (born 1980), Peruvian actress best recognized for her roles in telenovelas such as "La Rosenda" and "Flor Salvaje."

5. Juan Carlos Villarroel (born 1966), Spanish-Mexican footballer who played as a goalkeeper, winning the La Liga title with Valencia CF twice during his career.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the diversity and accomplishments within the Villarroel family name across various domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Villarroel

The surname Villarroel is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval toponym "Villa Real" or "Vilarroyo," meaning "royal village" or "village of the king." Its earliest documented appearance is in Castile, a region in northern Spain, during the Middle Ages. Notable bearers of this name include the Villarroel family from Cuenca, who migrated to America during the Spanish colonization period. One of its members, Jose de Villarroel, served as Governor of Buenos Aires in the 18th century. The Villarroels were known for their contributions to the military and political history of South America. In modern times, the surname Villarroel can be found across various countries, particularly in Spain, South America, and the United States, reflecting its long and diverse historical journey.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Villarroel"
• 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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