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Last Name De-Ana

What is the origin of the last name De-Ana?

The surname "De-Ana" is primarily found among individuals of Spanish descent. In Spain, it originated as a locative surname, meaning "from Ana," which could refer to a place named Ana or a person named Ana in the original bearer's ancestral home. However, without more specific information about the particular lineage or region, it is difficult to provide a more precise origin for this last name.

Learn more about the origin of the last name De-Ana

The meaning and origin of the last name De-Ana

The surname De-Ana is primarily of Hispanic origin, with roots tracing back to Spain or Portuguese-speaking countries. The name can be derived from various sources. One possible origin is a locative surname, indicating a place named Ana or Aña in the Iberian Peninsula. Another possibility is that it could be a patronymic name, meaning "son of Ana" or "daughter of Ana." In some cases, De-Ana may also be a variant of the surname de Antequera, which originated from the city of Antequera in Spain. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, this surname has spread worldwide, with significant populations found in Latin America, North America, and Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name De-Ana

The surname De-Ana has its origins primarily in Spain, where it is one of the most common surnames due to its historical and cultural significance. The name is derived from the Arabic "Al-Ani," meaning "the family of Ani." It gained popularity among Iberian populations during the Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492). Over time, it has undergone various phonetic and orthographic transformations, leading to its present form. Although predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions like Andalusia, Galicia, and Castile, there are also smaller communities of people with the surname De-Ana in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Equatorial Guinea. In these countries, it may have been brought by Spanish immigrants or resulted from subsequent waves of migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name De-Ana

The surname De-Ana can have multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Here are some possible variations:

1. De Ana
2. De Aña
3. DeAna
4. DeAñá
5. De Añana
6. De'Ana
7. De'Aña
8. Di-Ana
9. Di Aña
10. DiAna
11. DiAñá
12. Di Añana
13. Te-Ana (as a shortened form or misspelling)
14. Te Aña
15. TeAna
16. TeAñá
17. Te Añana

These variations can stem from differences in capitalization, the inclusion of accents, and the use of apostrophes to represent a missing vowel or a connection between syllables. It's essential to note that not all variations may be used equally often or have the same historical origins.

Famous people with the last name De-Ana

Notable individuals with the surname De-Ana include:

1. James DeAnna (born 1947), an American politician who served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2006.

2. Linda De Ana (born 1957), a Cuban-American writer, activist, and educator known for her work advocating for Cuban refugees and immigrants.

3. Pedro de Áñez (1460–1528), a Spanish explorer who led an expedition to explore the Pacific Ocean in 1524, which resulted in the discovery of the Mariana Islands.

4. Miguel De Anna (born 1972), a Mexican musician and member of the rock band Kinky.

5. Juan de Ana (1908–1963), a Spanish painter known for his surrealist works.

This list showcases individuals from various fields, including politics, activism, exploration, music, and art, demonstrating the diversity of accomplishments associated with the surname De-Ana.

Genealogical research on the last name De-Ana

The surname De-Ana is a variant of Ana, which originated from the Hebrew name "Hananya," meaning "God has favored." This name was brought to Spain by Jewish exiles during the Inquisition in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Upon conversion to Christianity, many Jews adopted their surnames based on their given names, resulting in the emergence of the surname Ana and its variants like De-Ana.

In Portugal, the name Ana gained popularity after the Christian Reconquista, with many settlers from Spain bringing their names with them. The Portuguese variant is often spelled as Anha or Aña. Over time, due to migration and assimilation, variations of the surname De-Ana can be found in countries like Brazil, the United States, and other parts of the Americas.

Notable individuals bearing the surname include Spanish poet José de Ana (1879-1962), Brazilian writer Adolfo de Ana (1930-2014), and American jazz saxophonist James Deane (born 1952). Genealogical research on this name can be challenging due to its commonality, variations in spelling, and geographical dispersion. However, resources like online databases, census records, and genealogy websites may provide valuable insights into the family history of individuals bearing the De-Ana surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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