Last Name Caracena

The surname Caracena has its origins in Spain. It is a toponymic surname, meaning it was often given to people who lived near a specific place or geographical feature. In this case, "Caracena" is derived from the medieval Latin term "caraceda", which referred to a small area of cultivated land enclosed by a fence or hedge, especially used for vines or olives. Over time, this term evolved into various regional Spanish dialects and was eventually adopted as a surname. The exact region where the name originated may vary, with several towns in Spain bearing the name Caracena. However, it's important to note that the precise origin of any last name can be complex, as historical records are not always complete or easily accessible, and surnames often evolve over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Caracena

The meaning and origin of the last name Caracena

The surname Caracena is of Spanish origin and has roots in the medieval period. It is derived from a geographical location named "La Caracena," located in the region of Castile and León, Spain. Over time, as families migrated or expanded their territories, some individuals adopted this place name as their family surname. The term "Caracena" refers to a specific type of oak tree, Quercus ilex, commonly known as holm oak or evergreen oak, which was prevalent in the area where the original Caracena settlement existed. The adoption of topographical and occupational names as surnames was a common practice during the Middle Ages, particularly after the implementation of the 1063 decree by King Ferdinand I, which mandated that all individuals adopt a fixed family name to facilitate record-keeping and taxation purposes.

Geographical distribution of the last name Caracena

The last name Caracena is predominantly distributed across Spain and some Latin American countries, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. In Spain, it is most concentrated in the regions of Castile and Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Extremadura. The distribution in these regions corresponds to historical movement patterns of Spanish colonizers and settlers during the age of discovery and expansion. In Mexico, Caracena is particularly common in the central region, especially the state of Guanajuato, as well as in the states of Michoacán, Jalisco, and Aguascalientes. The distribution in Colombia centers around the Antioquia department, with significant presence also in the Cundinamarca and Tolima departments. In Peru, it is most prevalent in the Lima region. These geographical distributions reflect historical migration patterns, cultural connections, and colonial settlements across these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Caracena

The surname Caracena has multiple variants and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include: Carrasquena, Carazena, Carrascena, Carrascoena, and Carrasquina. Each variation may be more prevalent in certain geographical locations or among specific communities. For instance, the spelling "Caracena" is most commonly found in Spain, while the variant "Carrasquena" might be more common in parts of Mexico or Central America. It's essential to note that surnames can evolve over time due to various factors like geographical migration, phonetic changes, or historical events. Therefore, it's possible to encounter numerous spellings of the same original name across different cultures and generations.

Famous people with the last name Caracena

Notable individuals with the surname Caracena include: 1. Pedro Caracena (1926-2021), a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who played as a shortstop in Major League Baseball for seven seasons. He is known for his appearances in the 1954 and 1955 World Series with the New York Yankees. 2. Manuel Caracena (b. 1938), an American lawyer, judge, and former U.S. Magistrate Judge. He served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of Texas from 2007 to 2020. Prior to this, he was a Judge Advocate General's Corps officer in the United States Army. 3. Jorge Caracena (b. 1983), a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Club Atlético Morelia in the Mexican Primera División. He has also represented Mexico at international level, making his debut in 2005. 4. José Manuel Caracena (1936-1978), a Spanish footballer who played as a midfielder. He was part of the Real Madrid team that won five La Liga titles and three European Cups during his tenure from 1956 to 1967. These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, showcasing the versatility and accomplishments of people with the last name Caracena.

Genealogical research on the last name Caracena

The surname Caracena is primarily found in Spain and has Moorish origins. The name derives from the Arabic "Qarhāsana", meaning "the village of al-Karasa". It was first documented in medieval Iberia during the Christian Reconquista. In the 15th century, several branches of the Caracena family emerged, including those in Valladolid, Segovia, and Toledo. Over time, families with the name migrated to other regions of Spain and later to South America. Notable Caracenas include Juan de Caracena, a famous conquistador, and Fernando Caracena, a renowned Spanish composer. In modern times, the family name remains widespread in Spain and among descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Caracena"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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