Surname Zavalla - Meaning and Origin

Zavalla: What does the surname Zavalla mean?

The last name Zavalla is a Spanish surname originating from the Basque region of northern Spain. This name is derived from the Basque word meaning "vale", which translates to "valley." The name may refer to a family that originally lived in a specific valley or originated from a valley. Historically, the surname Zavalla is associated with strength, courage, and loyalty.

This name is believed to have originated in the medieval kingdom of Castile, when Christian nobility, known as vasallos, were granted ownership of lands in the kingdom in exchange for military service. This was a caste system wherein the vasallos were required to remain loyal to their lord, fighting in their service and trading goods for protection. As such, this surname may be linked to a person or family of the vasallos caste.

The word zavalla is also known as an ancient Basque name, indicating a person or family who migrated from their home valley to another place. The Basques were an originally nomadic people whose history is laden with resilience. It is likely that those who bore the surname Zavalla were brave in their travels and faced difficult adversity in their pursuit of a better life.

The surname Zavalla is a symbol of strong Mediterranean heritage. It reflects the courage and strength of the Basque people, who have traveled through valleys and over mountains to build an identity of strength and dedication.

Zavalla: Where does the name Zavalla come from?

The last name Zavalla is most commonly found in Mexico and Latin American countries, such as Peru, Argentina, Colombia, and Venezuela. It is also common throughout the United States, especially in areas with high Hispanic populations like Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

The history of the Zavalla name dates back to the 15th century in Italy. The Zavalla family was part of the more powerful Gonzales family which founded the town of Monteriggioni. As time went on, members of this same family spread across Europe and eventually settled in the New World.

Today, many people of Zavalla descent still carry the family's Spanish and Italian roots. People with the last name Zavalla continue to honor their family history through customs and traditions. In parts of Mexico and Latin America, the Zavalla surname is still very common.

In each country, the last name Zavalla carries a different meaning. In Peru, Zavalla is loosely translated to 'bird with a good heart' while in Colombia it means 'lagger from the province of Zavalla.' No matter the country, they all share the same pride in the family heritage and meaning that the Zavalla surname holds.

Variations of the surname Zavalla

The surname Zavalla has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Commonly, the surname is spelled Zavala in Spanish-speaking countries, which is a nod to the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese origins of the surname. It is also commonly known as Zavalza or Zavalla in parts of Latin America, especially Mexico.

In Portugal, the surname Zavala may be Zavaia or Zabala. These spellings are also common in Italy. In Spain, the surname may also be spelled “Sabala” as a nod to its early Catalan or Visigothic roots.

The surname “Cavallero” or “Cavalcanti” also has the same roots and origin as the Zavalla surname. In Australia, people with the surname usually have ancestors who were South American colonists.

In addition, some variant surnames of the same origin include: Zaballa, Zavalla de Castro, Zavala de la Mata, Zabaña, Zabar, Zabata, and Zamba. Regardless of what spelling is used, all of these surnames signify the same origin of Italian, Spanish, and/or Portuguese ancestry.

Famous people with the name Zavalla

• Christian Zavalla: former professional wrestler
• Ana Zavala: MLB reporter for ESPN Deportes
• Abelardo Zavala: Mexican soccer player
• Rodrigo Zavala: Mexican professional basketball player
• Eva Zavala: Venezuelan professional R&B and Pop singer
• Mariela Zavala: Mexican actress
• Tamara Zavala: Mexican former volleyball player
• Oscar Zavala: Member of Venezuelan rock band Cali Y El Dandee
• Philip Zavala: Professional Counter-Strike Global Offensive player
• Julio Zavala: Venezuelan professional Basketball player

Other surnames

Zavala