What is the origin of the last name Buxo?

The surname Buxo is of Spanish and Italian origin. It derives from a number of possible sources, depending on the region. In some cases, it may have been derived from a medieval nickname for someone who had large ears (buxa being the Old Spanish word for "ear" or "lobe"). In other regions of Spain and Italy, Buxo could be a variant of Buccio, which means "beak" or "hooked nose," possibly referring to a physical characteristic. It is also found as a variant of Bucci in some parts of Italy, where it may have originated from the occupational name for a beaker or cup-maker (buccium being Latin for "beaker"). However, the exact origin can vary based on the specific family and location.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Buxo

The meaning and origin of the last name Buxo

The surname Buxo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "buix" which means "beech tree." It is one of the many patronymic names in Spain that were formed by adding -oz or -iz suffixes to occupational names. In this case, the original bearer would have been a person who worked with beech trees or lived near such a tree. Over time, the name has been spelled as Buxo, Buixo, and other variations due to regional dialects and scribal errors in official records. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon surname primarily found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Aragon.

Geographical distribution of the last name Buxo

The surname Buxo has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia, Galicia, and the Balearic Islands. In Catalonia, it is most commonly found in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. In Galicia, its distribution is relatively spread across the provinces, with a noticeable concentration in Pontevedra and A Coruña. The Balearic Islands also show significant occurrences of the Buxo surname, particularly in Mallorca. Beyond Spain, there are occasional appearances of this last name in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Argentina, where it is primarily found in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Córdoba. However, the majority of Buxos worldwide can be traced back to Spain, highlighting its strong cultural roots in this country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Buxo

The surname Buxo has various spelling variations, primarily due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across different regions. Some common variants include Buixo, Boixo, Boujo, Bosco, and Buxo itself. These variations can occur due to factors such as regional dialects, religious or cultural influences, and historical recording practices. In some cases, the name may have been intentionally altered or simplified during immigration processes. It is also worth noting that a person's family name may have been changed upon conversion to Christianity, particularly in regions where Catholicism was prevalent. These changes often involved adopting a new surname derived from a saint's name, which could lead to additional spelling variations. Despite these variations, the root of the name remains the same, originating potentially from words meaning "box" or "chest" in various languages.

Famous people with the last name Buxo

The Buxo surname is relatively uncommon, and its notable bearers are primarily associated with Spain. One of the most renowned individuals with this surname is Fernando Buxó y Llinás (1869-1939), a Spanish engineer and architect who designed several notable buildings in Barcelona during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Palau de la Música Catalana. Another well-known figure with the surname Buxó is José Antonio Buxó (born 1965), a Spanish politician who served as the Mayor of Palma de Mallorca from 2007 to 2015 and is currently a member of the Congress of Deputies. Another notable individual is Ángel Buxó, a Spanish musician and composer who has released several albums in various music genres, including flamenco and electronic music. These examples illustrate the diverse range of accomplishments and professions among people with the surname Buxo.

Genealogical research on the last name Buxo

The surname Buxo originates from the Basque region, specifically in Spain and France, where it is one of the oldest and most common Basque surnames. Historically, it is believed to be derived from the occupation of a beekeeper or someone who lived near a beehive, as "buxo" means "hive" in the Basque language.

One notable individual with the surname Buxo is Juan de la Cueva y Buxó, a 16th-century Spanish conquistador who explored and colonized parts of Central America. In contemporary times, the surname can be found across Spain, France, and among Basque diaspora communities in other countries.

Research suggests that the Buxo family tree is complex due to frequent variations in spelling and changes in surnames during the Middle Ages. Some common variations of Buxo include Buxo de Vitoria, Buxó y Vizcaino, Buxó y Otegui, and Buxó y Arriaga, among others.

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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