Last Name Camacho

The last name "Camacho" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Spanish word "camacho," which means "sea urchin." It is an occupational surname for someone who worked with or gathered sea urchins for a living, much like other Spanish surnames that derive from trades or professions such as "Carpenter" (carpintero) or "Smith" (herrero). The name first appeared in Spain during the Middle Ages and later spread to the Spanish colonies in America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Camacho

The meaning and origin of the last name Camacho

The surname Camacho is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval given name 'Camilo' or 'Camacho', which means "young camel" or "wrestler". It is believed to have been first used in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages and spread throughout Spain and its colonies, including Latin America. The surname Camacho was brought to various regions of the world by Spanish explorers, conquerors, and settlers during the Age of Discovery. Over time, it has been transcribed in different ways, depending on local phonetic rules, but the meaning remains consistent. Today, the surname Camacho is widely distributed among communities with a Spanish or Hispanic heritage, particularly in Spain, Mexico, the Philippines, and various countries in Central and South America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Camacho

The last name Camacho is predominantly distributed across Mexico and Central America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, due to its Spanish origin. In these regions, it is relatively common, ranking among the top 100 most frequent surnames. Additionally, significant populations of people with the surname Camacho can be found in the United States, primarily in states with large Hispanic communities, such as California, Texas, and Florida, where it is a variation of the more widespread last name Gonzalez or Lopez. Smaller numbers of individuals with the name Camacho can also be found in other parts of the world, including Spain, Cuba, and the Philippines, reflecting historical migration patterns. The geographical distribution of this surname thus offers insight into the cultural and demographic history of Spanish-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Camacho

The surname Camacho has various spellings and variations, primarily due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration across regions. Some of the most common spelling variations include: Camacho, Camacchio, Camocio, Camocchia, Camachi, Camaccio, Camazzo, and Camacci. These variations often result from regional dialects and changes in language over time. Additionally, the name may sometimes be found as a first name in some countries, leading to further variations such as Macho, Machocho, and Mackay (a Scottish variant). It is essential to note that the correct spelling of any surname can depend on individual preference, cultural context, or historical records, making it crucial to consider these factors when searching for information related to a specific person.

Famous people with the last name Camacho

The Camacho family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Andy Camacho, a former professional boxer who held the World Boxing Association lightweight title twice and was ranked as the number one pound-for-pound boxer in the world by The Ring magazine in 1987. Another significant figure is Dolores "Lola" Flores Camacho, a Spanish singer, actress, and dancer known for her contributions to flamenco music and dance. She was awarded multiple accolades, including the Premios Ondas award for Best Flamenco Singer in 1968. In the realm of sports, there is Luis Antonio Camacho, a former professional baseball player who played for teams like the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB). Lastly, there is Daniel Camacho, a Chilean-American actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and "Battlestar Galactica." These individuals showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments within the Camacho family.

Genealogical research on the last name Camacho

The surname Camacho originates from Spain, particularly the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Camacho," which itself comes from the Visigothic "Kamacius" or "Camaracius." These names are thought to have been borne by a Visigothic king who reigned in the late 5th century. The Camacho family migrated to Mexico during the Spanish conquest, where the name became widespread among the indigenous population due to intermarriage and assimilation. In modern times, the Camacho surname is common throughout Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries. Notable individuals with this surname include Cuban baseball player Yasiel Puig and Mexican actor José Alfredo Jiménez.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Camacho"
• 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

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