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Last Name Deza

What is the origin of the last name Deza?

The surname Deza is of Basque origin, a historical region located primarily in Spain and France. The Basques are an ancient people with their own language, traditions, and unique surnames that often have uncertain origins due to the lack of written records before the Middle Ages. Some Basque surnames may be descriptive of a person's physical appearance, occupation, or place of origin. Deza could potentially derive from a location named Dezazu or Dzaia in the Basque country, although further confirmation would require extensive research or consultation with experts on Basque genealogy and linguistics.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Deza

The meaning and origin of the last name Deza

The surname Deza is of Basque origin, stemming from the ancient region located in the northern part of Spain and southern France. It is one of the many Basque surnames that have no direct translation into other languages, as they are unique to the Basque culture. The name Deza is believed to be derived from a place name, possibly from a village or estate bearing the same name, which has since disappeared or merged with another location. Over time, families who lived in or near such places adopted these names as their own, passing them down through generations. Today, the surname Deza can be found among both Basque and non-Basque individuals, reflecting the historical migrations and assimilations that have taken place over centuries. It remains a proud symbol of Basque identity and heritage for many people bearing this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Deza

The last name Deza is predominantly distributed across several Spanish-speaking countries, most notably Spain and various Latin American nations such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Cuba. In Spain, it can be found throughout the regions, with a concentration in Galicia and Asturias. In South America, it appears to have a strong presence in the urban areas of Argentina and Chile, particularly Buenos Aires and Santiago respectively. The name also has a significant presence in Peru, especially in Lima, the capital city. Outside of these regions, the Deza surname can be found sparsely across the United States and Europe, with some families possibly having immigrated from the original Spanish or Latin American locales.

Variants and spellings of the last name Deza

The surname Deza has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common variations include D'Eza, De Zaa, Dezaa, Dezag, Dezaga, Dezaga-Alonso, Deza-Garcia, Deza-Guerrero, Deza-Llopis, Deza-Marin, Deza-Mendez, Deza-Moreno, and Deza-Pardo. These variations can be found in Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. In some cases, these names may have been anglicized or altered due to immigration or cultural assimilation, resulting in spellings like Deeza, Dezza, Dezah, Dezha, Deez, Deze, etc. It is important to note that the spelling of a name can vary based on regional dialects and historical context, making it crucial to consider these variations when researching or connecting with individuals who share this surname.

Famous people with the last name Deza

Notable individuals bearing the surname Deza include:

1. José Antonio Abreu Deza (1939-2018), Venezuelan musician and politician, founder of El Sistema, a system of music education in Venezuela that has become an international model for social development.

2. Juan Gabriel de Zaeta (1940-2016), Mexican singer-songwriter, known as "El Divo de Juárez", who sold over 100 million records worldwide in a career spanning five decades.

3. Ana Deza (born 1987), Argentine professional golfer, the first and, as of 2021, only Argentine woman to win an LPGA Tour event, the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in 2016.

4. Luis de Zavala (1788-1858), Mexican politician, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and first Secretary of State of the Republic of Texas.

5. Rafael Deza (born 1965), Spanish writer and journalist, known for his works on Catalan literature and culture. His novels have been translated into several languages.

Genealogical research on the last name Deza

The surname Deza originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain, and is predominantly found in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. Historically, it is believed to be a variant of the more common Spanish surnames 'Dezo' or 'Deso,' which are derived from the Old French personal name "Desier" or "Desiatus." These names were often given to babies born on the tenth day of the month in Latin regions, as "des" means "tenth" and "-ier" denotes a person.

Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname Deza have evolved due to factors such as regional dialects, migration, and recordkeeping inconsistencies. Variations of this name include Dezaa, Dezaga, Dezaola, Dezoa, and Desaa, among others. The family lines with this surname can be traced back several centuries in Spain, with notable figures like Juan de Zaza (16th century) and Miguel de Zaza (17th century), who were both notable clergy members. Today, the Deza surname can also be found in Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, as a result of Spanish colonization and migration.

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 : 13 June 2025

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