Last Name Azuara

The surname Azuara has its origins in Spain. It is a toponymic surname derived from places named "Azuara" in several regions of the country. One such place is Azuara in the province of Zaragoza, which was first documented in the 12th century. The name is believed to be of Arabic origin, possibly derived from the Arabic word "az-zawr," meaning "the mill" or "watermill." Over time, the surname spread throughout Spain and other countries due to migration and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Azuara

The meaning and origin of the last name Azuara

The surname Azuara is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern region of Navarre and adjacent provinces. It derives from the Old Basque word "atzur" which means blue or dark green. This was often used to describe the color of natural features such as rivers, hills, or landmarks in the Basque Country. Over time, it evolved into a patronymic surname, indicating that it originated from someone who lived by a place bearing this name or had distinctive features resembling these colors. The spelling variations of Azuara include Azuera, Azoara, and others, reflecting regional dialects and historical spelling conventions. Today, the Azuara surname can be found in various Spanish-speaking countries, as well as among descendants of Basque immigrants around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Azuara

The surname Azuara is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in the regions of Navarra, La Rioja, and Aragon, where it is considered one of the most common last names. It also appears frequently in the Basque Country and Castile-Leon. Azuara is less common but still present in other Spanish provinces such as Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. Beyond Spain, there are also small pockets of individuals with this surname in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, where the Azuara family emigrated during colonial times or later as migrant workers. The name is less frequently encountered outside these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Azuara

The surname Azuara has various spellings and minor variations across different regions. Some common spelling variations include: Azuera, Azoara, Azoua, Azoora, Azhoora, and Azhuara. These variations may be due to differences in the pronunciation of the name over time, or from the phonetic spelling of it by individuals or families. Additionally, due to migration patterns, you may find other spellings such as Asuero, Açuara (in Portuguese), or Azuares (in Spanish, plural form). It is important to note that these variations are not necessarily indicative of a person's ethnicity or nationality but rather a reflection of regional dialects and historical recording practices.

Famous people with the last name Azuara

The Azuara surname is prominent in various fields across the globe, showcasing the diversity and achievements of individuals bearing this name. In Spain, Juan de Azuara y Vázquez de Arrigita (16th century) was a notable conquistador who played a role in the Spanish conquest of Peru. In the realm of science, Ramón Azuara (born 1954), a Mexican molecular biologist and immunologist, is recognized for his research on AIDS vaccines and retroviral infections. From the world of arts, Jorge de la Vega Azuara (1877-1963) was a renowned Mexican muralist and illustrator, known for his collaboration with notable artists like Diego Rivera. Lastly, in the sports sphere, Luis Azuara (born 1954), a Spanish retired footballer, made a name as a striker during his career playing for clubs such as Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona. These individuals are just a few examples of the notable figures with the surname Azuara who have left their marks in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Azuara

The Azuara surname originates from the Basque Country, northern Spain. The earliest known record of the name dates back to the 13th century in the province of Guipuzcoa. One of the earliest Azuaras was Martin de Azuara, a witness in a notarized document from the town of Beasain in 1278. Over time, the Azuara family expanded across the Basque region and beyond due to migration and colonization. Some notable individuals with the surname include Francisco de Azuara, a 16th-century navigator who sailed with Magellan on his circumnavigation of the globe, and Felix de Azuara, a 17th-century Jesuit missionary in South America. Today, Azuara can be found among the Basque diaspora in various countries such as Mexico, the United States, Argentina, and Cuba. The name has also spread to other regions of Spain due to intermarriage and migration. The Azuara surname is a testament to the rich history and resilience of the Basque people.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Azuara"
• 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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