Last Name Cendejas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cendejas

The meaning and origin of the last name Cendejas

The surname Cendejas is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "cendero" which means "candlestick" or "candleholder." This surname, like many others, was originally occupational in nature, possibly being used by someone who made candlesticks or candleholders. The name has been recorded in Spain since the late Middle Ages and migrated with Spanish settlers to South America during the colonial period. In its various spellings such as Cendejas, Centejo, Centeno, and Cendón, it is found throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America today. The name may also be traced back to the Moorish invasion of Spain where "cenderos" were used in mosques, lending a potential Arabic origin to some branches of the family. However, the exact origins and meanings behind the various spelling variations can differ due to regional dialects and historical events.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cendejas

The surname Cendejas has its roots primarily in Mexico, with a significant concentration in the central and western regions, particularly in states such as Jalisco, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, and Puebla. This name is also found in other Spanish-speaking countries, notably Spain, due to historical migration patterns. In the United States, a considerable number of people with the surname Cendejas can be found in California, Texas, Florida, and Illinois, reflecting the Mexican immigration wave over the past century. The name's distribution also extends to other parts of the world where Spanish speakers have migrated, such as Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba. Overall, the geographical distribution of the surname Cendejas showcases its strong connection to Mexico and Spanish-speaking cultures.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cendejas

The surname Cendejas has various spellings and pronunciations. Some common variations include:

1. Cendéjas - this is a Spanish spelling that emphasizes the accent mark on the second syllable, but it might not be commonly used in English-speaking regions.
2. Cendejas - without the accent mark, this spelling is more likely to be found in English-speaking countries and regions.
3. Surnames with slight modifications: Centejas, Centejas, Centeyjas, Centeyas, Centeys, Centez, etc., may appear due to phonetic or typographical errors, regional dialects, or personal preferences.
4. Nicknames or diminutive forms of the surname could be Cendejito, Cendecito, Cendón, Cendito, etc.
5. In some cases, the family may have originated from a different country, leading to variations such as Candeyas (Philippines), Candeyaz (Turkey), or Kandeyas (Greece), though these are not direct transliterations of the original Spanish surname.

Famous people with the last name Cendejas

Notable individuals with the surname Cendejas include:

1. Raúl Cendejas - A Mexican-American artist known for his colorful and intricate murals, which often reflect Mexican cultural heritage. He has exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across the United States and Mexico.

2. Jorge Luis Cendejas - A retired Guatemalan professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He represented the Guatemala national team for 13 years, participating in two FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

3. Lilia Cedeño-Laurent - A Mexican politician and lawyer who served as the Governor of Veracruz from 2015 to 2018. She was the first woman to hold this position in the state's history.

4. José María Cendejas - A Spanish composer, pianist, and conductor who is considered a key figure in the development of modern Spanish music. He has received numerous awards for his work.

5. Juan Carlos Cendejas - A Chilean footballer who played as a midfielder for various clubs in Chile and abroad. He represented the Chile national team at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Genealogical research on the last name Cendejas

The surname Cendejas originates from Spain and is primarily found in the regions of Castile and León and Extremadura. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was García Fernández de Cendejas, who lived in the 13th century and was a nobleman in the Kingdom of León. The name Cendejas is derived from the place-name "Cendajos," located near the city of Medina del Campo in Valladolid, Spain. Throughout history, many notable individuals with the surname Cendejas have emerged, such as Juan de Cendejas, a member of the Spanish conquistadors who participated in the conquest of Mexico during the 16th century, and Fray Diego de Cendejas, a Franciscan missionary who traveled to the Philippines during the same period. In more recent times, notable figures with the surname include Mexican artist Juan Cendejas, who gained recognition for his paintings and sculptures, and Argentine politician José Cendejas, who served as a member of the National Congress in Argentina.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cendejas"
• 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