Last Name Camarena

The surname "Camarena" has Spanish origins. It is derived from the word "camino," which means "way" or "path," and the suffix "-rena," meaning "from." Therefore, "Camarena" roughly translates to "from the path" or "from the way" in Spanish. This surname could have originally been a locational name, indicating that the bearer lived near or on a prominent path or road. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic name for someone who resided near a specific path or route.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Camarena

The ethnic identity related to the surname Camarena also evolved between 2000 and 2010 according to the Decennial U.S. Census. The vast majority of individuals with the Camarena surname identified as Hispanic, with percentages of 94.71% in 2000 and 95.61% in 2010. The second most common ethnicity associated with the Camarena surname was White, though it decreased from 4.37% in 2000 to 3.69% in 2010. Conversely, individuals identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander saw a significant increase, from 0.07% in 2000 to 0.17% in 2010, a change of almost 143%. However, the percentage of individuals identifying as Black, American Indian and Alaskan Native, or belonging to two or more races decreased over the same period.

	2000	2010	Change
Hispanic	94.71%	95.61%	0.95%
White	4.37%	3.69%	-15.56%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.26%	0.19%	-26.92%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.07%	0.17%	142.86%
Two or More Races	0.36%	0.17%	-52.78%
Black	0.22%	0.17%	-22.73%

Camarena ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Camarena is Spanish & Portuguese, which comprises 44.2% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are Indigenous American (33.7%) and British & Irish (8.3%). Additional ancestries include French & German, Senegambian & Guinean, Italian, Eastern European, and Angolan & Congolese.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
Spanish & Portuguese	44.2%
Indigenous American	33.7%
British & Irish	8.3%
Other	13.9%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to many northern European men

If you have haplogroup I1a1b, your paternal line stems from a young branch of I-M253 called I-L22, which likely arose in the last 3,000 years. I-L22 is most common in Northern Europe, but a recent study found that this haplogroup was present in a significant portion of the Partecipanza population living in San Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy. The area of San Giovanni in Persiceto was involved in a migration period in 728 AD, when it became part of the Lombard kingdom, under King Aistulf. San Giovanni in Persiceto was only under Lombard rule for 48 years, after which the Lombards were defeated by King Charlemagne in 776 AD. There are several characteristics of San Giovanni in Persiceto that link it to other Lombard settlements. For instance, some research suggests San Giovanni in Persiceto was the seat of a Lombard Duke between 750 and 800 AD. It is possible that the Lombards who ruled over San Giovanni in Persiceto played an important role in the introduction and growth of haplogroup I-L22 in the region.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to some of the first Americans

Though the Ice Age was beginning to retreat when your A2 ancestors first entered North America, there were still massive barriers blocking their way. Glaciers and inhospitable climate covered much of the continent, blocking entry into the interior. Nonetheless, researchers have found evidence that a wave of American founders migrated over 13,000 kilometers to reach southern Chile in only 2,000 years, a blink of an eye in the story of human migration! Their highway to the south was the coast of the Pacific, stocked with fish, diverse marine mammals, and other valuable resources in the rich kelp forests of the upper latitudes and in the abundant fresh-water rivers near the equator. Because of this rapid movement south, the A2 haplogroup and its diverse branches are found throughout North and South America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Camarena

The meaning and origin of the last name Camarena

The surname Camarena is of Spanish origin, derived from the word "camino," meaning "road" or "way." It is believed to have originated as a locational surname, indicating someone who resided near or was associated with a specific road or pathway. In Spanish-speaking regions, place names were often adopted as surnames to help identify individuals and their origins. Therefore, individuals with the surname Camarena may have lived in or near areas with roads or particular pathways. The name could also be associated with the Latin word "camera," meaning "chamber" or "vault," suggesting the possibility of an occupation or association with a particular profession or place, such as a camera operator or a chamber worker. Over time, the surname Camarena has spread to different parts of the world through migration and colonization, consequently becoming adopted by individuals with various ancestral backgrounds.

Geographical distribution of the last name Camarena

The last name Camarena has a widely distributed geographical presence, with significant concentrations in different regions. In Spain, particularly in the region of Andalusia, Camarena is a commonly found surname, suggesting a historical origin in this area. It has also spread to other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, where it is highly prevalent and has assimilated into the local culture. Additionally, Camarena can be found in various parts of Latin America, including Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, reflecting migration patterns throughout history. The surname has also crossed borders and reached the United States, particularly in states with significant Hispanic populations, such as California and Texas. With its diverse distribution, the last name Camarena serves as a testament to the movement and influence of Spanish-speaking cultures across different continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Camarena

The last name "Camarena" has a few variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse origins and influences of the surname. Some common variations include "Camareno," "Camarina," and "Camarenao." These variations might occur due to differences in regional accents or dialects. Additionally, the name might be spelled differently depending on the country or language. For instance, in Spanish-speaking countries, it would typically be spelled "Camarena," while in English-speaking countries, it may be anglicized as "Camaren." Various combinations of letters such as "Camareña" or "Camaranea" might also be found. It is essential to recognize that the spelling and form of the name often adapt according to personal preference, historical influences, or migration patterns. Despite the different variations and spellings, all of these forms refer to the same surname and hold the common ancestral history of those who bear the name.

Famous people with the last name Camarena

Julio Cesar Camarena Casas, a renowned Mexican poet and scholar, has made significant contributions to literature and language studies through his extensive research and publications. His notable works include "El vuelo del colibrí" (The Flight of the Hummingbird) and "Palabras en el tiempo" (Words in Time), which have garnered critical acclaim for their lyrical and profound insights. Camarena Casas' innovative storytelling and rich poetic language have made him a beloved figure in the literary world. Additionally, Alfredo Camarena, a celebrated Mexican tenor, has captivated audiences worldwide with his powerful and expressive voice. Accolades and recognition have followed his performances in prestigious operas such as "La traviata" and "Rigoletto." Camarena's ability to effortlessly navigate complex vocal compositions with elegance and precision has earned him a place among the most distinguished and respected tenors of his generation. Both Julio Cesar Camarena Casas and Alfredo Camarena have made lasting contributions in their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark on Mexican culture and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Camarena

The surname Camarena is of Spanish origin and has a fascinating genealogical history. The name is derived from the Camarena de la Sierra municipality in the province of Teruel, Spain. The Camarena family can be traced back several centuries in this region. Over time, some descendants ventured to other parts of Spain, such as Valencia and Castile, while others emigrated to various regions around the world. As with many surnames, variations and different spellings emerged over time. The Camarena surname has spread to different countries, including Mexico and the United States, where it is often associated with Mexican-American communities. Today, numerous individuals with the last name Camarena can be found across the globe, carrying on their rich family heritage and contributing to the diverse tapestry of human history. Genealogical research on this surname can thus uncover a wide range of fascinating stories and connections.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Camarena"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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