DE LA PENA Origin of surname
DE LA PENA, DE LA PENHA, DE LA PENYA
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
Literally "from Pena" in Spanish, the family name De La Pena, can be based on one of a number of place names, among them Pena in Spain and Portugal, and Pina De Campos in northern Spain. It can also be linked to the Spanish term Pena meaning "rock". The variant De La Penya is documented as a Jewish family name in the early 14th century, De La Pena in the 16th century, and Pena and De La Penha in the 17th century. De La Pena is recorded as a Jewish family name in 1595 in Mexico with Portuguese-born Sebastian De La Pena.
Surnames derive from one of many different origins. Sometimes there may be more than one explanation for the same name. This family name is a toponymic (derived from a geographic name of a town, city, region or country). Surnames that are based on place names do not always testify to direct origin from that place, but may indicate an indirect relation between the name-bearer or his ancestors and the place, such as birth place, temporary residence, trade, or family-relatives.
Literally "from Pena" in Spanish, the family name De La Pena, can be based on one of a number of place names, among them Pena in Spain and Portugal, and Pina De Campos in northern Spain. It can also be linked to the Spanish term Pena meaning "rock". The variant De La Penya is documented as a Jewish family name in the early 14th century, De La Pena in the 16th century, and Pena and De La Penha in the 17th century. De La Pena is recorded as a Jewish family name in 1595 in Mexico with Portuguese-born Sebastian De La Pena.