Last Name Casana

The surname Casana has roots that can be traced back to several regions in Spain. It is of Basque origin, where it was originally spelled as Azkue-Aznar or Asana and means "from the house of Asa", with Asa being a short form of the Basque personal name Asier. The surname spread throughout Spain as a result of population movements during the Middle Ages and the Christian Reconquest, eventually taking on various spellings such as Casan, Casaña, Casana, etc., depending on regional dialects and phonetic changes over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Casana

The meaning and origin of the last name Casana

The surname Casana originates from Spain, particularly the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia. It is derived from the Latin word "casa" which means house or dwelling, implying that it was likely originally used to identify someone who lived in a particular home or area. Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. The variation of the name can be found throughout Spain and occasionally in other Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the historical migration patterns within these regions. In the broader context of European surnames, Casana is part of the large group of names that were created to identify individuals based on their place of origin or occupation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Casana

The surname Casana is predominantly found within Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and some Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, such as Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In Spain, the highest concentrations can be found in regions like Galicia, Catalonia, Castile-Leon, Aragon, Navarra, and Valencia. Casana is also common in Latin American communities within the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic populations like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns, with many Spanish and Spanish-speaking individuals moving to these regions over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Casana

The surname Casana has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and potential alterations over time. Some common spelling variants include: Cassana, Cazana, Kassana, Kasana, Kazana, Caasana, Cacasna, and Casanah. These variations may occur due to regional dialects, transcription errors, or simply personal preferences in spelling. It is also possible that some families with this surname have migrated from different regions, leading to slight modifications in the spelling of their name. Regardless of the specific spelling, all versions of Casana share a common ancestry and history.

Famous people with the last name Casana

The Casasan family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of sports, Juan Antonio Samaranch y Casanova was a Spanish politician and sports administrator who served as President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1980 to 2001. His tenure is marked by the organization of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 1984 and the Winter Games in Calgary in 1988, as well as the introduction of reforms that aimed to reduce politics within sports. In music, Spanish singer-songwriter Joan Manuel Serrat i Cabanes, commonly known simply as Serrat, is another famous Casasan. His career spans over five decades and he is considered one of the most important figures in the history of Catalan music, having contributed to the development of the "Nova Cançó" movement in the 1960s. Lastly, in the field of philosophy, José Casanas i Vila was a Spanish philosopher and historian of ideas known for his work on the concept of time, as well as for his contributions to the study of the history of ideas about God and creation. His work continues to be influential in academic circles today.

Genealogical research on the last name Casana

The surname Casana originates from Spain and is primarily found in regions such as Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin term "Casanus," meaning "one who lives in a casal or village." Historically, the first recorded instance of the Casana family was Juan Casana, born in 1398 in Barcelona. The family has had several significant figures over the centuries, including Bartolomé Casana, a prominent architect from Aragon during the late Renaissance period. He is known for designing the Church of San Pedro de la Nave in Teruel. In more recent history, the Casana family migrated to various parts of Europe and America due to political unrest and economic opportunities. One notable emigrant was Juan Casana, who settled in Cuba during the late 19th century and became a prominent figure in Cuban politics. Today, the Casana family can be found globally, with many members maintaining their Spanish heritage while contributing significantly to their respective communities. Genealogical research continues as descendants seek to uncover more about their familial roots and connections.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Casana"
• 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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