Last Name Arcila

The last name "Arcila" is of Spanish origin. It is a locational surname derived from the place name "Arcila" in the province of Cadiz, Andalusia, Spain. This place name itself is believed to have Moorish origins, as the Moors ruled much of the Iberian Peninsula from the 8th to the 15th centuries. Over time, individuals with the name "Arcila" may have migrated to other Spanish-speaking regions or even to other parts of the world, leading to the dispersion of this surname beyond its original place of origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arcila

The meaning and origin of the last name Arcila

The surname Arcila originates from the region of Cantabria in northern Spain. It is primarily a toponymic surname, meaning that it was derived from a specific place name. In this case, it is believed to have originated from the town of Arcila, which is located in the province of Burgos. The town's name itself is derived from the Basque word "hartz," meaning "bear," possibly indicating that the area was once inhabited by bears or associated with bear-related traits. Over time, individuals from Arcila began adopting the surname as a way to identify their origin and lineage. As people migrated from the region to other areas of Spain or even to other countries, the surname Arcila spread further. Today, individuals with the surname Arcila can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Latin America, where Spanish surnames are prevalent due to historical colonization and migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arcila

The last name Arcila has a primarily Colombian geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the regions of Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, and Risaralda. Within Antioquia, it is particularly prevalent in the cities of Medellín and Envigado. In Valle del Cauca, it can be frequently found in Cali, Yumbo, and Palmira. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations of the Arcila surname in other Colombian regions such as Cundinamarca, Atlántico, and Bolívar. Outside of Colombia, the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Arcila suggests that it is predominantly associated with Colombian heritage and has spread to a lesser extent in neighboring countries and regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arcila

The last name Arcila can have several variations and spellings. One common alternative spelling is Arzila, where the letter "c" is replaced with a "z". Another variation of this surname is Arscila, which replaces the letter "i" with an "s". Additionally, the last name can sometimes be spelled as Arcilla, with an extra "l" at the end. These variations can be found in different regions or among different branches of the family. It is important to note that the spelling of surnames can often change over time due to factors such as immigration, influence from other languages, or personal preference. Nonetheless, despite these variations, all spellings of the last name Arcila generally originate from a common ancestral root, creating a shared identity among individuals with this surname.

Famous people with the last name Arcila

One notable person with the last name Arcila is Guillermo Arcila, a prominent Colombian actor. Known for his versatile performances and charisma, Guillermo has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. His career spans over several decades, during which he has appeared in various Colombian films and television series. Guillermo Arcila's remarkable talent has earned him recognition and numerous accolades, establishing him as one of the most respected actors in Colombia.

Another well-known individual with the last name Arcila is María Victoria Arcila, a renowned Colombian fashion designer. With her unique style and creativity, María Victoria has become a prominent figure in the fashion world. Her collections have been showcased in prestigious fashion events and she has garnered attention both domestically and internationally. María Victoria Arcila's innovative designs and contributions to the industry have solidified her position as a respected and influential fashion designer.

Genealogical research on the last name Arcila

The surname Arcila is of Spanish origin and has a rich genealogical history dating back centuries. The Arcila family can trace their roots to the province of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It is believed that the surname originated from the word "arca," meaning "ark," possibly suggesting a connection to seafaring or boatbuilding. As early as the 15th century, records indicate individuals with the surname Arcila residing in the Galician region. Over time, some members of the Arcila family migrated to various parts of Latin America, particularly Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Today, the surname can be found among diverse populations in these countries. Many Arcila descendants have continued to preserve their unique heritage and have contributed to various fields, including academia, business, and the arts. Genealogical research on the Arcila family offers a fascinating glimpse into their ancestral origins and their enduring impact across different regions of the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arcila"
• 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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