Last Name Banacloche

The surname Banacloche is of Basque origin. It's one of the many surnames that originated from the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. Over time, people with this surname migrated to other regions, including Mexico, where it can now be found in significant numbers. The specific meaning or derivation of Banacloche within the Basque naming system is not readily available, but it's common for Basque surnames to have a unique and often untranslatable meaning that is tied to the region's culture and history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Banacloche

The meaning and origin of the last name Banacloche

The surname Banacloche is of Spanish origin, specifically from the region of Galicia, in northwestern Spain. It is a toponymic name, derived from a place or geographical feature, such as a river or hill with specific characteristics. The name "Banacloche" can be traced back to the Latin term "Balneus", which means "bath" or "pool". Over time, this Latin term evolved into "Baño" in Spanish, which signifies "bath" or "spring". The suffix "-cloche" is believed to have been added for distinguishing between multiple families from the same area. As families moved and spread out, they often took their place names with them, creating surnames like Banacloche. Today, people bearing this surname can be found not only in Galicia but also throughout Spain and its diaspora worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Banacloche

The last name Banacloche is predominantly distributed in Mexico, particularly in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca, where it originates from the indigenous Zapotec and Mixe populations. Smaller concentrations can be found in other southern Mexican states such as Puebla, Veracruz, and Guerrero. The Banacloche family name is also present in the United States, particularly in California and Texas, due to migration from Mexico. There are also small communities bearing this surname in Spain, reflecting historical ties between the two countries. Overall, Banacloche is a relatively rare surname with a significant concentration in southern Mexico and a smaller diaspora in the United States and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Banacloche

The surname Banacloche has several variations and spellings. These include: Banalocche, Bana loche, Banacloches, Banacloque, Banacloche, Banacloc, Banaclok, Banaclock, Banachloche, Banachlocke, Banaccloeche, Banaccloque, Banaccloke, Banaccioche, Banacciolque, Banacciol, Banacciolk, Banacciolk. The name may also be found with different diacritical marks or without any diacritics at all, depending on regional dialects and transcription conventions. It's important to note that the correct spelling can vary based on individual preference and regional customs.

Famous people with the last name Banacloche

Notable individuals bearing the surname Banacloche include:

1. Carlos Banacloche: A Mexican actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including "El Chavo del Ocho," one of the most successful Mexican sitcoms.
2. Ana Laura Banacloche: A Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as "María Isabel" and "Rubí." She has also worked in theater and music productions.
3. Pedro Banacloche: A Spanish politician who served as the Mayor of Zaragoza, Spain from 1987 to 1995. He was a member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE).
4. Javier Banacloche: A Mexican film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is known for his work on films such as "Tiempo compartido" and "El coronel no tiene quien le escriba."
5. Juan Carlos Banacloche: A Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Guerrero from 2016 to 2021. He is a member of the Party of the Democratic Revolution (PRD).

Genealogical research on the last name Banacloche

The surname Banacloche originates from Spain and has its roots in the region of Galicia. One of the earliest records of this family was found in the parish of San Xoan de Río, Ourense, dating back to 1786 when Manuel Banacloche y Gago was baptized. The name is believed to have derived from the Basque term "banak" which means log or beam, and "cloche," a type of bell, implying that an early bearer of this name may have been associated with a logging or bell-making profession. The Banacloche family expanded across Galicia, with notable branches in cities such as A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Ourense. As the family immigrated to other countries like Argentina, Cuba, and the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, they maintained their name while contributing to the cultural diversity of these nations. Today, members of the Banacloche family can be found in various parts of the world, with a strong presence in Spain, Latin America, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Banacloche"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends