Last Name Carabias

The surname Carabias is of Spanish origin and has possible roots that can be traced back to several different regions in Spain. However, the exact origin of this surname is not definitively known due to the complex history of Spanish surnames. One theory suggests that it may originate from a place name. For example, there is a small town named Carabias de Alba in Zamora province, Castile and León region, Spain. Another theory indicates that it could have originated from an occupational or nickname related to falconry (carabajal). The name Carabias also appears in the medieval Iberian Peninsula as a toponym (place name) and as a personal name. It's important to note that these are just theories, and further research may be required to definitively establish the origin of this surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Carabias

The meaning and origin of the last name Carabias

The surname Carabias is of Spanish origin, stemming from various regional locales in Spain with the same name. The most notable among them is Carabia de Campos, a municipality located in the province of Palencia. It's believed that this place name may have derived from "carabaña," an old term for a small wood or thicket, indicating its original dense vegetation. Over time, as families migrated from these regions, the surname Carabias was established and eventually spread beyond Spain. Today, it is a relatively uncommon but distinctive Spanish surname, found predominantly in Hispanic countries and communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Carabias

The surname Carabias has its origins in Spain and is primarily concentrated in several regions, with significant populations found in Castile-Leon, Galicia, and the Basque Country. Historically, the name was associated with the towns of Carabaña and Carabaño in Leon, from which many families bearing this name originated. Over time, emigration from Spain to various parts of the Americas led to a diaspora of the Carabias surname, particularly to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. In Mexico, the state of Tamaulipas has a notable number of individuals with this last name, reflecting its Spanish colonial roots. Moreover, in the United States, there is a significant presence of Carabias surname holders, particularly in California, Texas, Florida, and New York, due to migration from Mexico and other Latin American countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Carabias

The surname Carabias has several variants and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variations include: Carabias, Carabia, Caravia, Carabay, Carabae, Karaubias, Karabias, and Corabias. These variations may occur as a result of factors such as regional dialects, errors during data entry or transcription, or intentional alterations for personal reasons. In some cases, these variations can be traced back to the same root, while in others they may represent distinct lineages or family branches. It is also important to note that surnames can change over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or simply personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Carabias

Among the notable individuals with the surname Carabias are:

1. José Martí Carabias (1842-1895), a Cuban national hero, poet, journalist, and politician who played a crucial role in the Cuban War of Independence. He is considered one of the greatest figures in Latin American literature.

2. Carlos Carabias (born 1960), a Mexican artist and sculptor known for his large-scale installations using recycled materials. His works often address environmental issues and social concerns.

3. Juan José Carabias (born 1950), a Mexican composer, arranger, and orchestrator who has worked on numerous films, television shows, and theater productions. He is a four-time Latin Grammy winner.

4. Raúl Carabias (born 1963), a Cuban boxer who won a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 1987 Pan American Games. He also competed in the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

5. Ana Carabias (born 1964), a Spanish actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the popular series "Money Heist".

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, from literature and art to sports and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Carabias

The surname Carabias originates from Spain and is most commonly found in the regions of Asturias and Galicia. Historical records suggest that it derives from the medieval occupation "carrabalero," which referred to a person who measured land for taxes.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name is Juan Carabia, born in 1547 in Asturias. Over the centuries, the surname has spread globally due to emigration waves from Spain, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the New World, significant populations of Carabias can be found in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, and the United States.

Notable individuals with the last name include Mexican politician Alfonso Carabias (1895-1940) and Filipino journalist Teodoro M. Carabias (1873-1935). The surname Carabias also has variations such as Carabia, Caravias, Caravia, and Carrabias, reflecting the evolution of Spanish orthography over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Carabias"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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