Surname Avila - Meaning and Origin

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My experience with the iGENEA DNA test has unveiled a rich tapestry of ancestry linked to the surname Avila. The precise and credible results have not only deepened my understanding of my genetic origins but also shed light on the fascinating history and heritage associated with the Avila lineage.

Q. Avila

Avila: What does the surname Avila mean?

The last name Avila is of Spanish origin and is a toponymic surname, meaning it derives from a place name. It is named after the city of Avila, which is located in the central part of Spain. The city is known for its medieval walls and religious history. The name 'Avila' itself is believed to be derived from either a pre-Roman name, 'Obila' meaning 'high mountain', or from a Hebrew origin, signifying ‘small stone’ or ‘father's strength’. As a surname, Avila would have been used initially to identify someone as being from the city of Avila. Over time it has been adopted as a family name by people all over the world, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.

Avila: Where does the name Avila come from?

The last name Avila has Spanish origins and is derived from the town of Avila in Spain. This surname, therefore, generally signifies someone from this town. The town Avila is located in the autonomous community of Castille and León in Spain. A medieval city known for its preserved city walls, Avila has a rich history dating back to before the Roman Empire.

The surname Avila is quite common in Spanish-speaking countries presently. It is especially popular in Mexico, making the country a primary location where this surname can be found today. Apart from Mexico, Avila is also fairly common in other Latin American countries and in the United States, primarily among the Hispanic and Latino population. Moreover, due to past migration and dispersal patterns, the surname can also be found among families in the Philippines and other regions once influenced by Spanish colonization. The prominence of this surname in these regions reflects the influence of Spanish naming customs and migration patterns in the past.

Variations of the surname Avila

The surname Avila is of Spanish origin, primarily associated with the region of Ávila in Spain. There are several variations and spelling for the surname Avila. Some of these include Aviles, Avilez, D'Avila, De Avila, Davila, Abila, and Avela.

The addition of 'De' or 'D' before Avila often indicates geographical origin or stature (translated as 'of Avila'). The use of 's' or 'z' at the end of the name (Aviles, Avilez) typically indicates a Spanish or Portuguese variation.

While these are the direct variations of Avila itself, possible connected surnames of different origins include Vila, De La Vila and Villa. These surnames share the root word 'villa' meaning town.

It is important to note that while all these surnames point to a shared geographical indication, they each have developed their own unique histories and distributions, and may not necessarily indicate a shared ancestry or lineage. Each variant will have varied in their adoption and evolution based on regional dialects, cultures, and migratory patterns.

Famous people with the name Avila

• Bobby Avila: A famous Mexican professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball from 1949 to 1959.
• Pedro Avila: A Venezuelan professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres.
• St. Teresa of Avila: A Spanish mystic, writer, and reformer who is one of the most important figures in the Catholic Church. She was canonized in 1622 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970.
• Alex Avila: A professional American baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Washington Nationals.
• Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez, known by his stage name Daddy Yankee: A famous Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, rapper, actor, and record producer who was born in Río Piedras, San Juan, Puerto Rico in the Villa Kennedy Housing Projects.
• José Luis Avila: A professional footballer from Mexico who played as a midfielder.
• Carlos Avila: A film and television producer known for his work in films such as "El Mariachi" and "Desperado".
• Anthony Avila: An American professional mixed martial artist.
• Jorge Avila: A world-renowned violinist.
• Guillermo Davila: A well-known singer and actor from Venezuela. Please note that some of the names listed may have Avila as a part of their full name rather than as their last name.

Other surnames

Aviles