Surname Alcala - Meaning and Origin

A Genetics Journey: Deciphering the Alcala Lineage via iGENEA DNA Testing

The voyage of unearthing my genealogy through my iGENEA DNA test was truly enlightening in terms of understanding my roots. The focus on the 'Alcala' surname, having Spanish origins, provided a glimpse into the geographical locale of my ancestors, their possible ethnic links, and historical influence. The scientific breakdown of my DNA uncovered my strong ties to the Iberian Peninsula as well as ties to the Sephardic Jewish community.

L. Alcala

Alcala: What does the surname Alcala mean?

The last name Alcala is a toponymic name which has Spanish and Portuguese roots. It is derived from the Arabic phrase "al qal'a," which means "the castle." The name was likely given to those who lived in or near castles.

The origin of the name Alcala has been traced to ancient Spanish towns such as Alcalá del Río in Seville as well as the Spanish town of Alcala de Guadaira. The name is also found in Portugal, where it is spelled "Alcála." The name is found in other countries as well, such as some areas of Italy, largely used by descendants of Spanish emigrees.

As a surname, Alcala is quite numerous. It is classified as a habitational name, since it is an patronymic name referencing a place of origin. This type of name is derived from a geographical or topographical feature of the locality. Alternatively, it may have been a nickname given to individuals based on the location of their birthplace or residence. The surname is especially prevalent in parts of the world where Spanish is spoken, which includes Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.

The surname Alcala is an interesting name from an ancient Spanish past. Its meaning represents a physical landmark that served as a source of pride to its original bearers, now spread around the world. It is likely that the history of this surname will continue to develop as the historical events of more recent times have caused its dispersal to many other nations.

Alcala: Where does the name Alcala come from?

The last name of Alcala is relatively common throughout Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America today. It is particularly common in the province of Segovia in northern Spain, where it is believed that the name originated. Its roots lie in the Iberian Peninsula during the medieval period when it was part of Castile. The name appears to have originated from the Latin word "calatus" meaning "mighty," which may have referred to someone who was a soldier or possesed some high social status.

A study of Spanish surnames conducted by a team of geneticists at the University of Seville found a high concentration of the Alcala surname in areas of South America such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. It is also relatively common in other countries with strong Spanish colonial influences, such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Overall, Alcala is a relatively widespread and popular surname in many Spanish-speaking countries, with an estimated 400,000 people worldwide bearing the family name. It is often spelt differently in various Spanish dialects, including "Alcalá" and "Alcalá" depending on the speaker's region and preference.

Variations of the surname Alcala

The surname Alcala is a Spanish occupational name derived from Latin that has spread to other languages such as English, French, and Portuguese. The variants and spellings of the same origin range from the Spanish Álcalá to the French Cala and the Portuguese Alcála.

It is interesting to note that the Americanized version of this surname places the accent on the second syllable, making it Alcalá. This is a popular variant and spelling used among people of Hispanic heritage in the United States.

Other variations of the surname have also evolved due to regional or cultural influences. In Spain, the Alcaide surname derived from the Álcalá family name is used by the descendants of Portuguese settlers. In Latin American countries such as Mexico, the Alcala surname has been revised to Alcala, without an accent.

When the surname is further broken down, many different forms are revealed. The equivalents of the surname Alcala in other cultures include Calâ, Alcâas, Alcales, Calaz, Calas, Calazanes, Alcaz, Ales, Alcalaz, Alzaga, Algazzi, Algaz, Algasa, Algas, and more.

Some of the surnames may have also been distorted as a result of historical events such as wars or immigration. Such is the case with the Russian surname Alkhalaty, which has been derived from Alcala.

The Alcala surname is also still quite popular today, as evidenced by the presence of Mexican-American actor Antonio Alcalá among its prominent names. This indicates that the origin of this name is very much alive and continues to shape and change in both spelling and form.

Famous people with the name Alcala

• Rizalino Ojabo Alcala: Filipino Politician
• Ramon Alcala: Filipino Politician
• Alfredo Alcala: Filipino Comic Book Artist and Painter
• Henry Alcala: Filipino American Community Leader
• Ryan Alcala: American Actor
• Reed Alcala: American Entrepreneur
• Alfredo Alcala Jr.: Filipino American Actor
• Evan Alcala: Filipino YouTuber
• Gabouch Alcala: Cuban Politician
• Trina Alcala: Filipino Writer

Other surnames