Discover people named José Maldonado Rivera

The last name Maldonado Rivera has its origins in the Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and Latin America. The surname "Maldonado" is derived from the Spanish word "maldonado," which means "ill-fated" or "unfortunate," and is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who experienced misfortune or hardship. The name is often associated with noble lineages and can be traced back to the medieval period in Spain, where it was used to denote individuals from specific geographic areas, particularly in the regions of Castile and León. The addition of "Rivera" typically indicates a geographical feature, meaning "riverbank" in Spanish, and is often used as a locational surname for families living near rivers. Variations of the surname can be found across different cultures and languages, including "Maldonado" in its original form and "Maldon" or "Maldonados" in some regions, with slight differences in spelling and pronunciation. The combination of these surnames reflects both a personal and geographical identity, linking individuals to their heritage and the landscapes they inhabited.