Last Name Artaza

Learn more about the origin of the last name Artaza

The meaning and origin of the last name Artaza

The surname Artaza is of Basque origin, a historical region in Europe spanning parts of modern-day Spain and France. It is derived from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it stems from the word "artatz" or "haratz," meaning oak tree in Basque, referring to a specific location where an individual or family resided. Another theory links Artaza to the Basque word "ar-tza" which means 'new' or 'recent', possibly indicating a new settlement or a person who was a recent arrival. The exact origin may vary depending on specific lineages and regional dialects, but it is clear that the surname Artaza has deep roots in Basque culture and history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Artaza

The surname Artaza has its origins primarily in the Basque Country, a region located in northern Spain and southwestern France. Historically, it is most concentrated in regions such as Gipuzkoa, Navarra, and Biscay in Spain, and Labort, Zuberoa, and Soule in France. Outside of this region, significant populations of people bearing the Artaza surname can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries with a Basque diaspora, such as Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela, where it is often spelled as Arrazabal or Arratzabal due to phonetic variations and adaptations to local naming conventions. In recent times, there has been an increased migration of people with the Artaza surname to other parts of the world, especially in North America and Australia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Artaza

The surname Artaza has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciations. Some common variants include:

* Aratzaz (Basque)
* Artace, Artacha, Aratza, Aratsa, Aratzas (Spanish and Basque)
* Artacy, Artacya, Artecy, Artecya (English transliterations of the Basque name)
* Artacé, Artache, Artecey (French transliterations of the Basque name)
* Artaca, Aratca, Aratzaga, Artazo (Spanish and Basque variations)

The root of the surname is likely derived from the Basque word "arte," meaning craft or trade. The suffix "-za" is a common one in Basque surnames, often indicating a place name or occupational origin. It's also worth noting that Basque surnames are traditionally passed down patrilineally, meaning they are passed down only from the father to his children.

Famous people with the last name Artaza

The Artaza family has produced several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most recognized is Jose Artaza, a Spanish-Basque architect who won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award in 2016 for his innovative work. In the realm of sports, Andoni Zubizarreta Artaza, born in San Sebastian, has made a significant impact as a former professional footballer and current sporting director for FC Barcelona, where he played from 1986 to 1997. From the world of science, Jorge Artaza is an astrophysicist who has contributed to the study of black holes at the University of California, Berkeley. Lastly, in the realm of art, Carmen Artaza is a Basque artist whose work has been exhibited globally, showcasing her unique style that combines traditional Basque iconography with contemporary techniques. These individuals demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements of those bearing the surname Artaza.

Genealogical research on the last name Artaza

The Artaza surname is of Basque origin, originating from the region spanning Southern France and Northern Spain. One of the earliest recorded instances of the Artaza name can be traced back to the 16th century in the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa. Over the centuries, the family spread across various regions of Spain due to emigration and migration, with notable concentrations in cities like Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Madrid.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Artaza descendants also immigrated to South America, primarily Argentina and Uruguay. The family name has also been documented in the United States, particularly in California, New Mexico, and Texas, owing to migrations from South America during the same period.

Today, the Artaza lineage can be found in various countries with strong Basque communities, reflecting the family's rich history and its cultural ties to their ancestral homeland. Genealogical research continues to provide valuable insights into the family's origins, migration patterns, and notable members throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Artaza"
• 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 : 28 July 2025