Last Name Barraza

The surname "Barraza" has Spanish origins. It is a toponymic surname derived from the word "barraza," which means "a place with many stones" or "a rocky place" in Spanish. Typically, toponymic surnames are derived from the name of a particular geographic location or landmark associated with the family's origin. Therefore, it's likely that individuals with the last name "Barraza" have ancestors who lived in or near a rocky area or were identified by such a place.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Barraza

The meaning and origin of the last name Barraza

The surname Barraza is of Spanish origin. It is believed to have originated from the province of Andalusia, located in southern Spain. The name Barraza is derived from the Spanish word "barra," which means "bar" or "pole." It is often used to refer to a barrier or an obstacle. The surname Barraza likely originated as a locational or topographical name, referring to someone who lived near a prominent bar or barrier, such as a physical boundary or a gate. Alternatively, it could have been a nickname given to someone who was perceived as an obstacle or a boundary in a metaphorical sense, suggesting a determined or steadfast nature. Over time, individuals with the surname Barraza migrated to various parts of the world, particularly in Latin America, where it remains relatively common today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Barraza

The last name Barraza has a notable geographical distribution, primarily found in countries with Spanish-speaking populations. It is most commonly encountered in Mexico, where it originated and continues to be prevalent. In addition, the surname Barraza can be found in other Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, due to migration and colonization patterns throughout history. The name has also made its way to the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic communities like California and Texas. Moreover, descendants of Barraza families have migrated to various countries across the globe, leading to smaller populations in places like Spain, Italy, and even some parts of Africa. Overall, while the surname Barraza is widely distributed across different nations, its strongest presence and concentration can be observed in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Barraza

The last name Barraza, originating from the Spanish-speaking world, may have a few variations and spellings. One common variant is "Barrasa," where the double "z" is replaced with a single "s." Similarly, one might come across the spelling "Baraza," where the double "r" is replaced with a single "r." Another variation is "Barrassa," which adds an additional "s" at the end. Additionally, the last name may be spelled as "Varaza," where the initial "b" is substituted with a "v." Similarly, "Balaza" or "Valaza" may also be encountered as alternative spellings. These variations could have emerged due to regional dialects, transliteration, or personal preferences when recording or pronouncing the name. Regardless of the spelling, the last name Barraza and its variations have likely been carried by families across different generations and geographical locations, serving as a unique identifier of their heritage.

Famous people with the last name Barraza

One of the most famous people with the last name Barraza is Adriana Barraza, a renowned Mexican actress. Born in 1956, she gained international recognition for her role as Amelia in the Academy Award-winning film "Babel" (2006). Her performance in the movie earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Adriana Barraza has collaborated with prominent directors such as Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro González Iñárritu, and her talent and passionate performances have made her an essential figure in Latin American cinema.

Another notable figure with the last name Barraza is Estela Barraza, an influential Mexican poet and writer born in 1937. Known for her introspective and reflective poetry, Barraza's work revolves around themes of love, identity, and the human experience. Her unique voice and remarkable talent have earned her numerous accolades in the literary world.

Overall, the Barraza name is associated with exceptional talent and significant contributions to the fields of acting and literature.

Genealogical research on the last name Barraza

The last name Barraza has a rich and fascinating genealogical history. It is primarily of Spanish origin, originating from the region of Andalusia in southern Spain. The surname Barraza comes from the Spanish word "barrazo," meaning rough or uneven terrain, suggesting that the original bearers of this name may have lived near such landscapes. Over time, as families migrated and settled in different parts of the world, variations of the name emerged. Today, Barraza can be found in various countries, with significant populations in Mexico, the United States, and Argentina. In Mexico, many Barraza families trace their ancestry to the states of Sinaloa and Sonora. This surname has experienced intermarriages with other Spanish, Indigenous, and mestizo families, resulting in diverse family histories and lineages. The Barraza name serves as a cultural signifier, connecting its bearers to their Spanish roots and the vibrant history of migration and settlement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Barraza"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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