Calleja Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Calleja Origin:

Spain

Origins of Calleja:

This unique and interesting surname is a shortened form of Calle, which is of Spanish source, and is a geographical name for a person who resided beside a small path or a cattle track, acquired from the Spanish “calle”, ultimately from the Latin “calls”, which means a stony path, footpath, mountain-way, or pass. Geographical names in the 19th-century formed in very old times, since both original and artificial styles in the chart can be easily identifiable outstanding names in the small parts of the Middle Ages. In new Spanish “calle” is the normal name for a street, but at the time when surnames were created it as related to something rather more advanced. The new surname can appear noted as Calle and Calles, and the shortened forms contain as Calleja and Callejo. Documentation from Spanish Parish Records contains the weddings of Mariana Calleja and Domingo Gonzalez Papin, in March 1692 at Bercero, Valladolid, and of Antonio Calleja and Maria Crespo, in July 1712, also at Valladolid.

Variations:

More common variations are: Calleija, Callejo, Gallejo, Gallejo.

Spain:

The surname Calleja first appeared in the district of Santander, in the old kingdom of Castile.

The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of Maria Calle, dated near the year 1563, at the “Nuestra Senora la Antigua,” Valladolid, Spain. It was during the time of King Philip II of Spain, dated 1556-1598.

Ireland:

Many of the people with surname Calleja had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:

Some of the people with the surname Calleja who arrived in the United States in the 19th century included Andres De Calleja, who came to America in 1827. Lena Calleja at the age of 32, arrived in New Orleans, La in the year 1830. Yginia Calleja at the age of 32, arrived in New Orleans, La in 1830. Feliciana Calleja at the age of 23, landed in New Orleans, La in 1839. Mathilda Calleja, who arrived at Ellis Island in 1897.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Calleja: Mexico 12,432; Spain 12,058; Philippines 10,118; Malta 2,935; United States 1,610; Australia 1,526; Argentina 1,523; Venezuela 853; France 796; Bolivia 584.

Notable People:

Andrés de la Calleja (December 1705–January 1785) was a Spanish artist, born at Rioja. He was a graduate student of G. A. Ezquerra and was so successful in his old work that he was soon selected by King Philip V to a post of respect.

Anthony Calleja was born in the year 1955. He is a Maltese Artist and illustrator.

María del Carmen Calleja de Pablo (1949, Seville-December 2012, Seville) was a Spanish leader, belonging to the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party.

Christian Fabián Callejas Rodríguez was born in May in the year 1978 in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Félix María Calleja del Rey, 1st Count of Calderón was a Spanish 19th-century army officer.

Fernando Callejas Barona (born 1948), was an Ecuadoran leader.

Gabi Calleja was a Maltese gay rights activist.

Isacio Calleja (born 1936), is a Spanish football player.

Javier Calleja (born 1978), is a Spanish football referee and an old player.

José Díez Calleja (born 1962), is a Spanish football player.

Joseph Calleja (1897-1975), was a Maltese-born American musician, writer, sculptor, and actor.

Joseph Calleja (born 1978), is a Maltese opera singer. He was born in the year 1978.

Joseph Calleja (rock) (1974-2000), was a famous as Joe C., American rapper.

Rafael Calleja Gómez (October 1870 – February 1938) was a Spanish songwriter.

Saturnino Calleja (1853-1915), was a Spanish author and publisher.

Sebastián Mariano Calleja (born February 1979 in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is an old Argentine football player who played for clubs in Argentina.

Kurt Calleja (born May 1989 in Hamrun) is a Maltese musician.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

1) Espagne D’argent à la croix de gueules cantonnée aux 1 et 4 d’une tour au naturel et aux 2 et 3 d’une clé d’azur en pal le panneton en bas à dextre. English: Argent a cross gules; in the 1st and 4th quarters a tower proper (grey probably), and 2nd and 3rd a key azure in pale with the bit (I’m not sure what you call it, but it’s the part that goes into the lock) facing dexter.
2) per pale, Or two pallets Gules, and Azure in pale 3 bezants. The shield is borne on an eagle displayed Sable, beaked and membered of the first (Or)