Last Name Arce

The origin of the last name Arce can be traced back to the Spanish language. It is a surname of Hispanic origin and is fairly common in countries such as Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking nations. The name "Arce" is derived from the Spanish word for "maple tree," which is also known as "arce" in Spanish.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arce

The meaning and origin of the last name Arce

The surname Arce is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Latin word "arx" meaning "citadel" or "fortress." The name likely originated from someone who lived near or worked at a fortress or a place associated with great strength or protection. The surname Arce could also have roots in the Latin personal name "Arcius," which was given to babies born near a citadel or stronghold, further emphasizing the connection to fortresses.

As with many surnames, the name Arce may have been adopted by several unrelated families over time. It is relatively common in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain, Mexico, and Colombia. Variations of the name, such as Arceo or Arces, may also be found. Over generations, individuals with the surname Arce may have migrated to various regions, leading to its presence in different parts of the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arce

The last name Arce has a varied geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in several countries. In Spain, Arce is most commonly found in the northern regions, particularly in the provinces of Asturias, Cantabria, and Navarra. It is also prevalent in the autonomous community of Galicia. In Latin America, Arce is a common last name in countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico. In Argentina, it is found throughout the country, but particularly in Buenos Aires and the surrounding provinces. In Colombia, Arce is spread across the country, but has a stronger presence in the departments of Boyacá, Santander, and Cesar. Mexico has pockets of Arce descendants in various states, including Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Veracruz. Additionally, the last name Arce can also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, where it has a notable presence in states like California and Texas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arce

The last name "Arce" is a Spanish surname that has several variations and spellings across different regions. Some of the variations include "Arze," "Arces," "Arcos," "Arca," and "Arcenas." These alternative spellings may have originated from different dialects or accents within the Spanish language, as well as regional influences.

Additionally, depending on the country or culture, the surname "Arce" might also be spelled differently. In Portugal, for example, it may be written as "Arsénio" or "Arcêncio." In Italy, it could be spelled as "Arci" or "Archi."

Furthermore, variations can arise from migration and adaptation in different countries. When individuals bearing the last name "Arce" emigrate to an English-speaking country, it is not uncommon for it to be anglicized, resulting in variations such as "Ace" or even "Arcy."

These variations and spellings of the last name "Arce" demonstrate the linguistic diversity and evolution that occurs within family names as they traverse different cultures and regions around the world.

Famous people with the last name Arce

One famous person with the last name Arce is Marcelino Arce, a renowned Spanish boxer. Born in 1916, Arce was a lightweight champion during the 1940s and 1950s. He made a name for himself through his exceptional skills and his fierce and strategic boxing style. Arce achieved numerous victories throughout his career, earning him a respected reputation in the boxing world. Another notable figure is Juan Carlos Arce, a Bolivian footballer who currently plays for the Bolívar football club. Born in 1985, Arce has had a successful career as a forward, representing both his club and the national team. With his agility, speed, and goal-scoring abilities, he has emerged as one of Bolivia's top football players in recent years. These individuals have brought recognition and pride to the Arce name, leaving a lasting impact in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Arce

The surname Arce has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain. It is derived from the ancient Spanish word "arce," meaning maple tree. The Arce family likely took on this surname due to their association with maple trees, either as landowners or individuals living near areas with an abundance of these trees.

The genealogical research on the last name Arce reveals a long-standing presence in various regions across Spain, particularly in the provinces of Asturias, Galicia, and Navarre. Throughout history, branches of the Arce family spread to different parts of the world, including Latin America and the United States, due to factors such as colonization, immigration, and economic opportunities.

Given the widespread adoption of the Arce surname, researching individual family lineages can be complex. It requires examining historical records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, immigration records, and other relevant documents to trace the family's lineage accurately. Additionally, DNA testing and connecting with potential relatives can aid in piecing together the diverse branches of the Arce family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arce"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

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