The Maldonado Family History

What Does the Maldonado Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Maldonado, of Spanish origin, is derived from the phrase ‘mal donado,’ which translates to ‘ill-favored’ or ‘not particularly intelligent.’ This surname first emerged in the region of Castile, Spain. Variations of the name include de Maldonado, Maledonado, Maldolado, and de Maledonado. In England, a significant number of individuals bearing the Maldonado surname can be found in Northumberland County. Additionally, the county of Midlothian in Scotland is home to several families with the Maldonado name. The surname is prevalent not only in Spain but also in various countries that were once part of New Spain, such as Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. Within the United States, the states of Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona have a notable concentration of individuals with the Maldonado surname. Prominent figures bearing this surname include Carlos Maldonado, a soccer player from Venezuela; Estuardo Maldonado, an Ecuadorian sculptor; Horacio Maldonado, a poet from Uruguay; Diego Maldonado, a Spanish explorer who ventured to Chile in 1546; Candido ‘Candy’ Maldonado, a professional baseball player; Claudio Maldonado, an Argentine music composer; and Angel Maldonado, a soccer player from Mexico.