NomOrigine Background

Last Name Zapater

What is the origin of the last name Zapater?

The surname Zapater has its roots in several Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, where it is derived from the occupational name for a shoemaker. The word "zapater" in both Spanish and Portuguese means "shoemaker." This name was originally given to someone who made or mended shoes as their primary occupation. Over time, this surname spread across countries where Spanish and Portuguese were spoken, including Latin America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zapater

The meaning and origin of the last name Zapater

The surname Zapater originates from Spain, specifically in the regions of Castile and Aragon, with the highest concentration found in the city of Valladolid. The name is derived from the Occitan word "zapat", meaning 'shoe' or 'shoemaker', which was a common profession in medieval Europe. As such, individuals bearing this surname were likely shoemakers or worked closely with shoes and leather goods. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved to include variations such as Zapata, Zapatero, and Zapatista in different regions and countries where it has been adopted. Today, the surname Zapater is distributed across Spain, Latin America, and other parts of the world, being especially prominent in Mexico due to historical events like the Mexican War of Independence led by Agustín de Iturbide, whose last name was Zapata.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zapater

The surname Zapater is predominantly distributed in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León, Extremadura, Andalusia, and Valencia. It is one of the most common Spanish surnames, with over 130,000 bearers according to a 2015 study by the University of Salamanca. The name has also been found in other parts of the world due to historical migration patterns. For instance, significant populations of people with the Zapater last name can be found in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Argentina, as well as in the United States, mainly in states with large Spanish-speaking communities like Florida, California, and Texas. In Portugal, a similar-sounding surname, "Zapata," is also common. The distribution of this surname reflects historical connections between Spain, its former colonies, and the broader Iberian Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zapater

The surname Zapater has various spellings and slight variations worldwide, primarily due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common versions include Zapata, Zapatero, Zaptie, Zapatery, Zapetar, Zapatar, Zapatier, Zappater, and Sapater (in Portuguese-speaking regions). These variations can be found in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Cuba, the Philippines, and other Latin American nations. In some cases, additional letters may be added or omitted due to historical changes over time or regional dialects. Nonetheless, all these spellings are derived from the original Spanish word "zapater," which means shoemaker in English.

Famous people with the last name Zapater

Notable individuals with the surname Zapater include:

1. Antonio de Zapater, a Spanish painter born in Valladolid during the late 16th century, who specialized in still life paintings.

2. Juan José Zapater, a Spanish footballer, known for his time at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, where he won multiple titles including two La Liga championships and the UEFA Champions League.

3. Pedro de Zapater, a Spanish Dominican priest who was one of the most notable defenders of the Dominican order during the Council of Trent.

4. Cristóbal de Zapata y Cisneros, a Spanish architect, who is best known for his work on the Escorial Monastery commissioned by King Philip II of Spain.

5. María Isabel Zapater, a Spanish philosopher and professor at the University of the Basque Country, notable for her contributions to feminist philosophy.

These individuals span various fields, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of people with the surname Zapater throughout history.

Genealogical research on the last name Zapater

The surname Zapater, derived from the occupation of a leatherworker or shoemaker, has roots deeply embedded in Spanish history. Originating in medieval Spain, the name is believed to have its origins in various regions, such as Castile and Aragon, where artisans specialized in leatherworking were highly valued due to their indispensable craft. Over time, as many Spanish families emigrated to other countries during periods of colonization, the Zapater surname spread across continents. In America, particularly in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various Latin American countries, the name remains quite common. Furthermore, significant numbers of people with this surname can be found in Spain itself as well as in other European nations, such as France, Italy, and Portugal, where Spanish immigration took place. The Zapater family tree branches out extensively across generations and continents, reflecting a rich and varied history that intertwines artisanship, migration, and cultural exchange.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Zapala (Last name)

surnames > zapala

The surname Zapala is of Polish origin. It is derived from the name of several places in Poland called Zapala, which in turn come from the Polish word "zapalać" meaning "to ignite...

Zapana (Last name)

surnames > zapana

The last name "Zapana" is of Quechua origin from Peru. It is derived from the Quechua word "saqpana," which means "to escape" or "to run away." It is believed to have originated am...

Zapanta-victor (Last name)

surnames > zapanta-victor

The last name "Zapanta Victor" is of Spanish origin. "Zapanta" is a surname of Spanish and Basque origin, which means "stony place" or "rocky ground". "Victor" is a common given na...

Zapatera (Last name)

surnames > zapatera

The surname Zapatera has Spanish origins and it is derived from a profession, specifically that of a shoemaker (zapato meaning shoe in Spanish). This suggests that an individual be...

Zapico (Last name)

surnames > zapico

The last name Zapico is of Spanish origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the place name Zapico, which is a small town in the region of Asturias, Spain.

Zapletina (Last name)

surnames > zapletina

The last name Zapletina is of Slavic origin, specifically Czech and Slovak. It is derived from the word "zaplet" which means "entanglement" or "entwined." This surname likely origi...

Zapoff (Last name)

surnames > zapoff

The last name "Zapoff" is of Russian origin. It is derived from the Russian word "zap" meaning "behind" or "beyond" and the suffix "-ov" or "-off" indicating "son of" or "descendan...

Zapolsky (Last name)

surnames > zapolsky

The last name "Zapolsky" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the name of several villages in Poland called Zapole, which translates to "behind the field" in Polish. The suffix ...

Zappa (Last name)

surnames > zappa

The surname Zappa is of Italian origin. It is derived from a place name or a nickname, both common sources for surnames in Italy. The place name could originate from any of several...

Zapper (Last name)

surnames > zapper

The last name "Zapper" is of English origin. It is an occupational surname derived from the Middle English word "zapper" which means a person who operates a device to kill insects,...

Zappia-barcik (Last name)

surnames > zappia-barcik

The last name Zappia is of Italian origin, deriving from the personal name Giuseppe, which is the Italian form of Joseph. The last name Barcik is of Polish origin, and likely deriv...

Zappone (Last name)

surnames > zappone

The surname Zappone is of Italian origin. It derives from the word "zappa," which means "spade" or "hoe" in Italian. This surname was often given to someone who used a spade or hoe...