Ávila
A Spanish surname usually taken from the city of Ávila, in central Spain.
The #318 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 3,173 Americans shares it.
Etymology
This surname is most commonly locational, referring to someone from the Spanish city of Ávila. The place-name itself is ancient, though its deeper origin is uncertain and has been explained in different ways by historical scholars. In surname use, it simply marked a person as belonging to, or coming from, that place.
History
Ávila became a hereditary surname in Spain and later spread widely through the Spanish-speaking world. Historical references also show it attached to notable Spanish families and individuals, which helped establish it as a long-standing noble and regional surname. In modern times it is especially common in Spain and Latin America, and the accent is often omitted outside Spanish spelling.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The city of Ávila is famous for its medieval walls, among the best preserved in Europe.
From the historical record
“picture of St. Peter and St. Paul for the cathedral of Osma. The name is probably derived from locality. Zapata is the appellation of a district of Spain, prov. Avila ; and of a place prov. Ponte- vedra. Zapateros is the name of a village prov. Cordoba ; and there are places in Spain called Zapategui, Zapateira…”
— Ludus Patronymicus; or, the etymology of curious surnames