Last Name Berrio

The last name Berrio is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "berro," which means "marsh" or "mire" in Old Spanish. This surname may have been given to someone who lived near a marshy area, or it could be a topographic name for someone who resided by such a place. The surname Berrio is found primarily in Spain and in regions with a large Spanish influence, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the Philippines.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Berrio

The meaning and origin of the last name Berrio

The surname Berrio is primarily of Basque origin, stemming from the ancient region in Northern Spain and Southern France. The name is derived from a topographical location, referring to a rocky or stony area, as "berro" means "rock" or "stone" in Basque language. Over time, this geographical descriptor was adopted as a surname by families residing near such locations within the Basque Country. As migrations occurred, the name Berrio spread across Europe and to other continents, taking on various pronunciations and spellings based on local linguistic influences. Today, the Berrio surname can be found among communities of Basque descent worldwide, although it remains most prevalent in regions closely tied to its origins, such as Spain and France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Berrio

The surname Berrio is predominantly found in the Spanish-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Spain and South America. In Spain, it is most common in the Basque Country, Navarre, and Cantabria, reflecting its historical roots in these regions. In South America, particularly in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, Berrio is also a common last name due to the migration of Spanish settlers over centuries. Smaller populations of Berrios can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish speakers have emigrated, such as the United States and Mexico. The distribution of this surname thus reflects historical patterns of Spanish colonization and migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Berrio

The surname Berrio has several variations and spellings, reflecting its regional origins and historical influences. Some common spelling variations include: Berryo, Beriо, Berrío, Berryoh, Berryo­h, Berio, Berry, Berreyo, Berrio-Redondo, Berriozabal, Berriolo, Berriot, Berryott, and Berryotte. These variations can be found throughout Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in countries like Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. The root word "Berrio" is derived from the Basque language and means "small cave" or "rocky place." It is also associated with the word "berri," meaning "fruit" in Basque, which may have influenced some of its variations and spellings.

Famous people with the last name Berrio

Notable individuals bearing the surname Berrio include:

1. Juan Manuel Bernaldo de Quirós y Berrio (1841-1922), a Spanish naval officer who served as Minister of Marine during the reign of King Alfonso XIII. He was instrumental in modernizing Spain's navy.

2. Jesús Abad Colorado Berriojo (1937-2022), a prominent Spanish physician, researcher, and academic, known for his work on neurophysiology and biomedical engineering. He was a member of the Royal Spanish Academy since 1986.

3. Miguel Ángel Berryo Cárdenas (born 1954), a Venezuelan journalist, author, and politician. As a journalist, he won the National Press Award three times. In politics, he served as Governor of Miranda from 2000 to 2008.

4. Carlos Andrés Berrio (born 1976), a Colombian professional golfer who has played on the PGA Tour since 2003. He is known for his victory at the 2015 Greenbrier Classic.

5. Jorge Luis "George" Berrios (born 1984), a Puerto Rican professional boxer in the featherweight division. He won the WBC Silver Featherweight title in 2016 and was ranked as one of the top ten featherweights by the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving a lasting impact in Spain, Venezuela, Colombia, and Puerto Rico.

Genealogical research on the last name Berrio

The surname Berrio originates from the Basque Country, a region spanning southern France and northern Spain. Historically, this region was divided into seven feudal provinces, one of which is Gipuzkoa where the name Berrio has its roots. The name is thought to be related to various locations in the Basque Country, such as the town of Berrioplano in Gipuzkoa or the river named Berrobi.

The earliest records of the Berrio surname date back to the 15th century, with the first known bearer being Juan de Berrio in 1487. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have occurred due to factors such as migration, language assimilation, and scribal errors. Some of these variants include Berrío, Berryo, and Beriolo.

The Berrios were traditionally associated with the agricultural, mining, and fishing industries common in the Basque Country during the Middle Ages. Notable Berrios include Diego López de Berrio, a 16th-century explorer who served as Governor of Peru, and Ramón María Berriquerena y Díaz, a 19th-century Spanish politician and scholar.

Today, the surname Berrio is found not only in the Basque Country but also in other parts of Spain, South America, Mexico, and the United States, reflecting the diaspora of Berrios over centuries. The family tree remains rich with stories of resilience, adventure, and cultural preservation among its branches.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Berrio"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends