Last Name Cirera

The surname Cirera is a Catalan name, which is a region in northeastern Spain. It is derived from a variety of sources, including geographical locations, occupations, and personal names. In this case, Cirera may have its roots in the town or place name Cirerola, located in the province of Girona in Catalonia. The name Cirerola comes from the Old Occitan word "cirerer," which means "quince tree" in Modern Catalan, reflecting the presence of quince trees in this location. Over time, people with family ties to Cirerola began using the surname Cirera as a way to indicate their geographical origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cirera

The meaning and origin of the last name Cirera

The surname Cirera is of Catalan origin, specifically from the region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain. It is derived from the Occitan word "cirerar" or its Catalan equivalent "cirerer," both meaning "to cultivate cherries." This surname was likely given to someone who lived near orchards where cherries were grown, or perhaps a person known for cultivating cherry trees. The name's popularity reflects the region's rich history of cherry cultivation and its agricultural traditions. Over time, variations such as Cerer, Cieria, and Cirerola have arisen due to phonetic changes and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cirera

The surname Cirera is predominantly found in Spain, with a significant concentration in the Catalonia region. This region in northeastern Spain has its own distinct culture and language, Catalan, which could contribute to the high frequency of the name Cirera within its borders. Beyond Spain, there are also instances of the surname Cirera in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, due to migration from Spain. In these countries, the surname may be less common compared to its prevalence in Catalonia. It's worth noting that like many surnames, Cirera could have originated from a place name, occupation, or nickname, but further historical research is needed to confirm the exact etymology of this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cirera

The surname Cirera has multiple variations and spellings, often due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include:

1. Cereza (in some regions of Spain)
2. Cerera (a variant used in certain areas)
3. Circera
4. Circero
5. Cirierra
6. Cyreira (an anglicized version)
7. Serra (a shortened form, sometimes used as a surname or given name)
8. De Cirera (used with the addition of "de" for nobility or lineage in some countries)
9. Don Cirera (a title of respect used in Spain and other Spanish-speaking regions)
10. Cirerol (a patronymic derived from the personal name Cirilo)

It is essential to note that these variations may appear in different spellings depending on the language or region. Additionally, certain surnames with seemingly unrelated origins may share a similar appearance due to phonetic and orthographic changes over centuries.

Famous people with the last name Cirera

The Cirera surname is associated with several distinguished individuals across various fields. Notable figures include:

1. Xavier Cirera i Camps (1872-1934), a Catalan composer and musicologist, who was a key figure in the revival of traditional Catalan music during the early 20th century.

2. Josep Maria Cirera i Llobera (born 1965), a Spanish mathematician known for his work in mathematical logic and set theory. He is currently a professor at the University of Barcelona.

3. Marc Cirera i Giner (born 1987), a Catalan basketball player who plays as a center for FC Barcelona Lassa in the ACB League and the Spanish national team.

4. Jordi Cirera i Cases (1952-2012), a Catalan photographer who is best known for his work on social issues, particularly focusing on marginalized communities around the world.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields and are recognized for their exceptional talents and dedication to their professions.

Genealogical research on the last name Cirera

The surname Cirera originates from Catalonia, Spain, specifically the province of Girona. Historically, it is one of the many names that originated from this region due to its rich history and diverse culture. The name Cirera is thought to be derived from a place name or occupational name related to cherry trees, as "cirer" means cherry tree in Catalan.

Early records show that the Cirera family has been present in Catalonia since at least the 13th century, with various branches scattered throughout the region. Notable individuals with this surname include Joan Cirera i Fita, a Catalan linguist and lexicographer, and Enric Cirera i Pujadas, a renowned Catalan archaeologist.

As the family migrated, variations of the name emerged due to translation errors or regional dialects, such as Cera, Cerer, and others. The distribution of these variants can be found in various countries, including Argentina, the United States, and Australia, reflecting the global dispersal of Catalan immigrants.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cirera"
• 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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