The surname "TALABER" is believed to have originated in the region of Catalonia, in northeastern Spain, during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Catalan word "talabard," which referred to a type of leather armor or protective garment worn by soldiers and knights. This suggests that the name may have initially been an occupational surname, associated with individuals involved in the manufacture or repair of such armor.

One of the earliest recorded instances of this surname can be found in the "Llibre de Repartiment," a historical document from the 13th century that documented the distribution of lands and properties in the Kingdom of Valencia after its conquest by the Crown of Aragon. In this record, a certain "Pere Talaber" is mentioned as a participant in the conquest and subsequent settlement of the region.

During the 14th and 15th centuries, the name appears to have spread beyond Catalonia to other parts of the Iberian Peninsula, including the regions of Aragon and Valencia. Several historical documents from this period, such as municipal records and notarial documents, contain references to individuals bearing the surname Talaber or variations like "Tallaber" or "Tallavera."

One notable figure from this era was Francesc Talaber (c. 1380-1450), a renowned sculptor and architect who worked on several important ecclesiastical buildings in Barcelona and its surrounding areas. His contributions to the Gothic architectural style of the time were highly regarded, and some of his works, such as the cloister of the Monastery of Pedralbes, are still standing today.

In the 16th century, as the Spanish Empire expanded across the Atlantic, the name Talaber also made its way to the Americas. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this surname in the New World was Juan Talaber (c. 1525-1590), a Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru alongside Francisco Pizarro. He later became a prominent landowner and settler in the region.

Another notable figure from this period was María Talaber (c. 1560-1635), a prominent philanthropist and benefactor in the city of Seville. She was responsible for founding several charitable institutions, including a hospital and a school for underprivileged children, which bore her name.

As the centuries passed, the Talaber surname continued to spread across various parts of the Spanish-speaking world, with individuals bearing this name making notable contributions in various fields, including literature, politics, and the arts.