History of North America

Where does the last name villanueva come from?

Villanueva is a Spanish surname that originated in the Iberian Peninsula. It is derived from the Latin words "villa nova," which mean "new town." The name was likely first used to describe someone who came from a new town or settlement. Over time, it became a common surname in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Here are some additional details about the origin and history of the Villanueva surname:

* The name Villanueva is first recorded in the 11th century in the Kingdom of Aragon.

* It was originally used as a place name, referring to several towns and villages in Spain.

* The surname Villanueva began to be used as a personal name in the 12th century.

* It became increasingly common in the 13th and 14th centuries, as people began to adopt surnames based on their place of origin or residence.

* The Villanueva surname is now found throughout Spain and Latin America.

* It is the 20th most common surname in Spain, with over 100,000 people bearing the name.

* Notable people with the Villanueva surname include:

* Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Aztec Empire

* Francisco de Villanueva, a Spanish architect and sculptor of the Renaissance period

* José Villanueva, a Spanish historian and politician of the 18th century

* Alicia Villanueva, a Mexican-American actress and singer