Last Name Bordacahar

The surname Bordacahar is a Basque surname, originating from the ancient region of the Basque Country, which spans parts of modern-day Spain and France. It is derived from a place name or specific location within that region. In the Basque Country, many families kept their original toponymic (place-name) surnames, as they did not adopt the practice of using patronymics, as was common in other regions of Europe during the Middle Ages. The specific meaning or origin of Bordacahar is not definitively known, but it likely refers to a location or feature that had significance to the family who originally bore this name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Bordacahar

The meaning and origin of the last name Bordacahar

The surname Bordacahar is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Navarre in northern Spain. It is derived from the toponym "Bordaxa" or "Bordezaga," which appear on maps and historical records dating back to the 12th century. The name is thought to be composed of two elements: "borda" (meaning a farm or house) and either "txa" (a diminutive suffix) or "zaga" (meaning fortress). As with many Basque surnames, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact meaning as Basque naming conventions have been largely non-descriptive. Over time, variations in the spelling of this surname may have arisen due to phonetic changes, migration, and recording errors. The Bordacahar family name can be found among the Basque diaspora in other parts of Spain, as well as France, Latin America, and the United States, reflecting historical migrations of Basques throughout the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Bordacahar

The last name Bordacahar appears primarily within the Basque Country, a region situated in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. Historically, this surname is more frequent among Basque speakers, reflecting the high concentration of Basques in that region. A significant number of individuals with the surname Bordacahar can be found in the provinces of Gipuzkoa, Biscay, and Navarre in Spain, as well as in Laburdi (Lapurdi), Zuberoa (Soule), and Lower Navarre (Nafarroa Beherea) in France. It is also found, albeit more sparsely, among Basque diaspora communities in other countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Uruguay. The distribution of this surname provides insights into historical migration patterns within the Basque Country and the dispersal of Basques over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Bordacahar

The surname Bordacahar has multiple variants and spellings, each reflecting different regional pronunciations and transcription methods. Some common variations include: Bordachar, Bordechahar, Bordechar, Bordecahar, Bordekhar, and Bordegahar. These differences can be attributed to factors such as geographical location, time period, and individual preferences in spelling and pronunciation. It is essential to consider these variations when researching family history or genealogy to ensure comprehensive results. Additionally, some branches of the Bordacahar family might have additional alterations or regional-specific spellings, making it crucial to investigate multiple possibilities.

Famous people with the last name Bordacahar

Notable individuals sharing the last name Bordacahar include:

1. Carlos Alberto Bordacahar (born 1984), an Argentine footballer who played as a midfielder. He started his professional career with Racing Club and also represented Boca Juniors, Independiente, Rosario Central, and Unión de Santa Fe in Argentina, as well as Sunderland AFC in England.

2. José Bordacahar (1936-1984), a Spanish footballer who played as a midfielder. Known for his exceptional skills and leadership abilities, he played for FC Barcelona and Atlético Madrid during the 1950s and 1960s, winning numerous domestic titles and the European Cup with Barcelona in 1958.

3. María Bordacahar (born 1972), an Argentine actress. She is best known for her roles in television series such as "La casa de las flores" (2018) and "El marginal" (2016-2018). She has also appeared in films like "El olivo" (2017) and "Camino de Santiago" (2014).

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, leaving lasting impacts on football, film, and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Bordacahar

The surname Bordacahar is believed to have originated from the Basque region of Spain and France, where the name Borde-Xahar or Bordaxaher is found. The name translates to "Borde-Sun" in the Basque language. The Bordacahars are known to have migrated to South America during the 16th and 17th centuries with the Spanish conquest, particularly settling in regions like Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Peru. In these countries, variations of the name such as Bordeachar, Bordaxar, and Bordaxhar can be found. Notable figures bearing this surname include Juan Bautista de Bordacahar, a prominent Spanish conquistador who participated in the conquest of Peru, and Manuel Bordacahar, an Argentine politician who served as Minister of Education during the 1960s. The Bordacahars are known for their strong sense of family and community, with many maintaining close ties to their Basque heritage even after generations of migration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "bordacahar"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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