The surname Alcanices is believed to have origins in Spain. It is a toponymic surname derived from a place-name, specifically the town of Alcanices located in the province of Cuenca, Castilla-La Mancha. This practice of adopting a name based on the location of one's birth or residence was common among Spanish and Portuguese families during the Middle Ages.
The surname Alcanices is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Extremadura in western Spain. It is derived from a place name, suggesting that early bearers of this name may have lived in or near a location named Alcañices.
The term "Alcañices" itself has its roots in Arabic language and culture, as many place names in Spain were influenced by the Moors during their occupation between the 8th to 15th centuries. The word is believed to have originated from the Arabic term "al qaṣabah al-qa'niṭiyah," which translates to "the small castle." This name could have been given to a settlement that was fortified during Moorish rule, and later adopted as a surname by its inhabitants when the region was reconquered by Christian forces.
Over time, variations of the name have emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation, such as Alcañiz, Alcañices-Cano, and Alcanizas. Despite these variations, they all share a common origin in the town of Alcañices in Spain.
The surname Alcanices is predominantly found in Portugal and Spain, with a significant concentration in the regions of Portugal del Norte (Northern Portugal) and Galicia (northwestern Spain). According to genealogical databases, the name originated from the town of Alcântara in Portugal, which may have contributed to its distribution in Northern Portugal. In Spain, it is particularly common in the provinces of Pontevedra, Lugo, and Ourense due to historical migrations between the two countries. Additionally, there are minor occurrences of this surname in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, the United States, and Canada, reflecting diaspora movements from the Iberian Peninsula.
The surname Alcanices can have several variations and spellings due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic translations over time. Some common variations include: Alcantices, Alicantices, Allcanices, Alkantices, and Alquantes. These variations may be found among individuals of Hispanic or Portuguese descent. However, it's important to note that surnames can also evolve due to errors in record-keeping over generations, making it challenging to trace the original spelling of a name. When researching family history, it is essential to keep an open mind and consider these possible variations to maximize success in tracing one's ancestry.
Notable individuals with the surname Alcanices include:
1. Juan Alcañiz (born 1964), a Spanish football player who played as a goalkeeper for several teams, including Real Madrid and the Spain national team. He won two UEFA Champions League titles and one FIFA World Cup.
2. Ángel Alcañiz (born 1975), a former professional tennis player from Spain. He reached his highest ATP singles ranking of No. 66 in 2000.
3. Francisco Javier Alcañiz López, also known as Paco Alcántara (1948-2014), a Spanish football player who played for teams like Real Madrid and the Spain national team. He was part of the Real Madrid team that won four consecutive European Cups from 1956 to 1960.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, leaving lasting impressions in sports history.
The surname Alcanices originates from Spain and is predominantly found in the regions of Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha. The name is believed to have derived from a place named Alcañices, located in the province of Avila, Castile and Leon. This toponymic surname evolved from the Arabic term "al qanais" which means "the mills."
Historically, the first known records of this surname date back to the 13th century, with the appearance of Gonzalo Alfonso de Alcanices in the Archivo General de Simancas. Through subsequent centuries, members of the Alcanices family made significant contributions to Spanish society, particularly in the areas of politics, military, and religion. Notable figures include Pedro de Alcañices, who served as a bishop in the 16th century, and Don Juan Alcañices, a captain in the army during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The surname Alcanices has since spread to other parts of the world due to immigration, particularly to South America and the United States, maintaining its roots while adapting to new cultures and environments.
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