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Last Name Cajaraville

What is the origin of the last name Cajaraville?

The surname Cajaraville is likely of Basque origin, a region spanning parts of France and Spain known for its unique language and cultural traditions. In Basque, the term "Kaixarabide" or "Caxarabeitia" refers to a farmstead with a wall around it, which could have been the original meaning or inspiration for surnames such as Cajaraville. However, it's important to note that surnames can also be influenced by various factors including geographical locations, occupations, and patronage, so other possible origins may exist. For a definitive understanding of the origin of a specific family name, genealogical research or consultation with a heraldry expert is recommended.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cajaraville

The meaning and origin of the last name Cajaraville

The surname Cajaraville is likely of Spanish origin, with roots that can be traced back to the Iberian Peninsula. It is a composite name derived from two separate elements: "Caja" and "Ribal". "Caja" means "box" or "chest", while "Ribal" means "riverbank" or "shore". The combination of these two elements may suggest that the original bearer of this surname lived near a river where chests or boxes were used. Alternatively, it is also possible that the name was originally occupational, referring to someone who worked with wooden containers or lived near a place where such items were produced. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to several forms of this surname, including Cajaraville, Cajaravella, and others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cajaraville

The surname Cajaraville is predominantly found in regions of South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay. It is believed to be of Basque origin, as many Basque families emigrated from the Pyrenees region of Spain and France to South America during the 19th century. In Argentina, the surname Cajaraville can be found primarily in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Entre Rios. In Uruguay, it is most prevalent in the departments of Montevideo and Canelones. The distribution suggests a concentration of Basque immigrants along the Rio de la Plata region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cajaraville

The surname Cajaraville has several variations and spellings due to historical record discrepancies and regional dialects. Some of the common variants include:

* Caijaraville
* Caijaraville
* Cayjarraville
* Kayjarraville
* Kajaraville

These variations arise from differences in spelling conventions over time, as well as slight phonetic alterations that can occur due to factors such as regional accent or transcription errors. It is important to note that the original spelling of a surname may be lost or changed over the course of history, leading to multiple spellings for the same name.

The surname Cajaraville appears to have Spanish origins and may potentially be derived from a place name or patronymic, although its specific etymology is not currently well-documented. It is possible that variations in spelling and pronunciation reflect migration patterns and cultural influences, as people with this surname may have moved to different regions over time and adopted local dialects or spelling conventions.

Famous people with the last name Cajaraville

The Cajaraville surname is not particularly well-known for famous individuals globally. However, there are a few noteworthy figures associated with this name:

1. Paul Cajaraville - An American actor who has appeared in TV shows like "Criminal Minds" and "NCIS."
2. Anthony Cajaraville - A professional basketball player from the United States who played for various teams in Europe, including the Swiss team BBC Monthey.
3. Michael Cajaraville - An American politician who served as a member of the Louisiana State Senate from 1984 to 2016, representing District 36.

While these individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, they may not be considered globally renowned figures.

Genealogical research on the last name Cajaraville

The surname Cajaraville is believed to have originated from the Basque region, specifically in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. This surname is one of several that emerged among the Basque whalers and fishermen who settled in Newfoundland, Canada during the late 16th century. The name Cajaraville could be a variant derived from other Basque surnames such as Gaztelu or Gazteluvie, which mean "new castle" or "castle of the wolf." In North America, the Cajaraville family has been traced back to Juan de Cajaraville, who immigrated to Newfoundland in 1583. Descendants of this family later moved to Louisiana, where they became prominent plantation owners and contributed significantly to the development of the state's economy and society.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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