Vela
What is the origin of the last name Vela?
Meaning and origin
The last name Vela originates from the Spanish and Portuguese word for sail or veil, signifying a historical association with seafaring or covering. This surname likely emerged as a metaphorical or occupational indication for individuals involved in sailmaking, trading, or maritime activities. Its usage could also suggest a familial association with a physical or metaphorical "veil" or covering, reflecting a possible religious or cultural significance.
The longer story
Vela is a Spanish and Italian surname that originated from the Latin word "vela," meaning "sail." This name likely referred to someone who was involved in sailing or had a connection to the sea.
According to historical records, the Vela surname can be traced back to the medieval period. It was commonly found in regions such as Spain, Italy, and other Spanish-speaking countries.
In Spain, the name Vela has a significant presence. It is associated with various regions, including Galicia, Catalonia, and Andalusia. This suggests that the surname's distribution is not limited to a specific area but has spread across different parts of the country.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
#1,396
Vela was the 1,396th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 25,414 people, about 8.2 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Where it is found
Countries linked to Vela.
Surnames like Vela
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where Vela is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.