What is the origin of the last name Barrague?

The surname Barrague has multiple possible origins, but one of the most common is from a place-name in Spain. Specifically, it may derive from Barraque, a town in Navarre, or from Barraquenha, a town in Portugal. Surnames derived from place-names often originated as a method to distinguish individuals with the same first name who lived in the same area, in this case, Barrague would have been an identifier for someone who originally came from these locations. However, it's important to note that surnames can also originate from various other factors such as occupations, patronymics (names derived from a father's name), or nicknames, and the specific origin of each instance of Barrague may vary based on individual family history.
Want to turn this name into a keepsake? Give a star certificate in their name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barrague

The meaning and origin of the last name Barrague

The surname Barragán is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "barranco," which means ravine or gorge. It was initially used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a ravine or geographical feature with that name. Over time, it also came to be used as an occupational name for someone who worked in a ravine or maintained irrigation channels. The surname Barragán is common in Spain, particularly in the Castile-La Mancha region, and in Latin American countries with significant Spanish influence, such as Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. Notable individuals with this surname include Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (whose birth name was Magdalena Carmen Barragán y Calderón) and Venezuelan politician Jesús Chávez Barragán.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barrague

The surname Barrague is predominantly distributed across several Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting its Spanish origin. It is most commonly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León, Extremadura, and Aragon, suggesting an Iberian Peninsula origin. Outside of Spain, significant populations bearing this surname can be found in Latin America, notably in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, due to historical Spanish colonization and migration patterns. In the United States, Barrague is also present, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations such as Florida, Texas, California, and New York, often as a result of immigration from Spain and Latin America. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Barrague reflects historical ties between Spain and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barrague

The surname Barrague has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects over time. Some common variants include Barraga, Barraque, Barrac, and Barruguet. These variations may originate from minor misspellings or phonetic adaptations based on geographical location. Another variation is de Barrague, which is a patronymic form meaning "son of Barrague". The name Barrague is believed to have originated from the Basque region in Spain and France, where it means "barracks" or "fortification". However, its exact etymology can be difficult to determine due to historical changes in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Barrague

The Barragán family is known for producing notable figures across various fields, particularly in art and politics. One of the most renowned members is Pedro Barragán (1943-2005), a Mexican painter and graphic artist who is considered one of the most important contemporary artists in Mexico. His work combines indigenous symbolism with modern techniques, creating powerful and evocative pieces that have been exhibited worldwide.

In the political sphere, Manuel Barragán (born 1946) has made a significant impact. A former President of the Senate of Mexico from 2012 to 2015, he is a long-standing member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). His political career spans over four decades, and he has held various positions in the government, including Governor of Yucatán.

While these two figures are among the most well-known Barragáns, there are several other notable individuals with the same surname who have made contributions in fields such as academia, music, and entrepreneurship.

Genealogical research on the last name Barrague

The surname Barrague originates from the Basque region, located in northern Spain and southwestern France. It is derived from the toponymic name "Barrua" or "Barruta," meaning "high land" or "rocky hill." The family name likely emerged during the Middle Ages as a result of individuals residing near these geographical features.

One notable bearer of the Barrague surname is Miguel de Barragán (1502-1558), a Spanish architect and painter known for his contributions to the Plateresque style in architecture. His work can be seen in various buildings around Madrid, Spain. The name has also been found in Mexico, with the Barragán family being one of the most prominent families in Mexican history. Francisco Javier Barragán y Castellón (1785-1863), a Mexican general and politician, served as the President of Mexico from 1861 to 1863 during the Second Mexican Empire.

Today, the Barrague surname can be found in various countries with significant Basque diaspora, including Argentina, Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names