Tikal (surname)

The surname Tikal is a relatively uncommon surname with origins primarily traced to Guatemala. It is believed to be derived from the ancient Mayan city of Tikal, located in the Petén Basin region of northern Guatemala. As a surname, it likely originated as a locational name, used to identify individuals or families who originated from or lived near the area surrounding the Tikal ruins.

The Mayan city of Tikal was a major center of Mayan civilization, flourishing between the 3rd and 9th centuries AD. Its historical significance suggests that individuals adopted the name "Tikal" as a means of associating themselves with the prestige and history of this important site.

Distribution of the surname is predominantly concentrated in Guatemala, with smaller populations found in other countries, particularly those with significant Guatemalan diaspora communities. Genealogical research suggests the surname has been passed down through generations within families originating in the Petén region and other areas of Guatemala. While not definitively proven, the relative rarity of the surname and its clear connection to the Mayan archaeological site strongly support the locational origin theory.