Last Name Arbas

The last name Arbas is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Arabic name "Arab," which means "Arabian" or "from Arabia." During the Moorish occupation of Spain (711-1492), many Arabic names were adopted by the Christian population, and this name is one of them. The spelling variations of this surname include Arbas, Arbaz, Arbaez, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arbas

The meaning and origin of the last name Arbas

The surname Arbas is of Basque origin, specifically from the province of Biscay in the northern region of Spain. It derives from the Basque word "arbatz," which means "a large wooden tub" or "barrel." As with many Basque surnames, it's difficult to trace back its exact origin due to the clan system practiced by the ancient Basques, where people adopted names based on their occupation, place of residence, or physical characteristics. The use of family names became widespread in the Basque Country during the late Middle Ages and early modern period as part of a larger trend towards the centralization of power in Europe. Today, Arbas is not only found in the Basque Country but has also been dispersed through migration to other regions and countries, particularly Spain, South America, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arbas

The surname Arbas has its origins primarily in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and Leon, Navarra, and Valencia. A significant number of Arbas family members can be found in these areas, with higher concentrations in cities such as Madrid, Valladolid, Pamplona, and Valencia. The name is also present in Portugal, with a smaller but notable population in the district of Braga. Emigrants from Spain and Portugal have spread the surname to other parts of the world, particularly South America and North America, where communities of Arbas family members can be found in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Cuba, the United States, and Canada. The diaspora of the Arbas name reflects historical migration patterns of Iberian peoples over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arbas

The surname Arbas has several variations and spelling permutations due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, and family lineage. Some common versions include: Arbass, Arbasa, Arbace, Arbassi, Arbasio, Arbasz, and Arbaszewski. Each of these variations may have originated from the same ancestral name but has evolved over time and across geographical locations. The most common geographic distribution for surnames similar to Arbas can be found in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Croatia, and other Mediterranean countries. It is essential to note that individuals with different spellings of the name Arbas may share a common heritage or ancestry, although the specific connections between these families would need further genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Arbas

Notable individuals bearing the surname Arba are found across various fields of human endeavor. In entertainment, one prominent figure is Julianne Hough, an American dancer, singer, and actress. She won the Dancing with the Stars championship twice and had leading roles in several films, including "Rock of Ages" and "Safe Haven." In the world of sports, the Arba family has a rich history. One notable member is Haim Arba, an Israeli footballer who played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Israel national team during the 1950s and 60s. He won several championships and was known as one of the best strikers in the era. Lastly, in academia, there is Dr. Joseph Arba, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on computational systems biology, and he has made significant contributions to understanding gene regulation and evolutionary dynamics. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements and talents that can be found among those with the surname Arba.

Genealogical research on the last name Arbas

The surname Arbas originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have been first used by the Visigoths, a Germanic people who inhabited southern Europe during the Migration Period. Over time, the name spread across the region, with significant populations found in Aragon, Castile, and Galicia in Spain, as well as in several regions of Portugal. Variants of the name include Arbas de Arauzo, Arbás de Rueda, and Arbás del Montalbán. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Francisco Arbas, a 17th-century Spanish baroque painter, and José Joaquín Arbas, a contemporary Spanish musician. The name is also found in the United States, primarily among descendants of Spanish immigrants who arrived in the country during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arbas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025

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