NomOrigine Background

Last Name Echaniz

What is the origin of the last name Echaniz?

The surname Echaniz is of Basque origin, which is a region spanning parts of Spain and France. The Basque people have their own distinctive language and culture that predates the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. Surnames in the Basque Country often have a geographical or occupational meaning. In this case, Echaniz may originate from the toponymic name "Etxanean" or "Etzean," meaning "the new house." The suffix "-iz" is a common Basque patronymic that denotes the son of. Over time, the name evolved into its current spelling and form as it was passed down through generations.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the surname Echaniz

Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your Surname Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my family history now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the last name Echaniz

The meaning and origin of the last name Echaniz

The surname Echaniz is a Basque name, originating from the ancient province of Biscay in the Basque Country, which spans parts of Spain and France. The name is believed to be derived from the toponymic source 'Etxaniz' or 'Etxanoitz', meaning 'new house'. This place name appears in several historical documents, indicating that individuals bearing this surname may have originated from these specific locations. Over time, the spelling has evolved due to various linguistic influences and phonetic changes. Today, variations of the name can be found as Echaniz, Etxaniz, Etchaniz, and others across Spain and beyond, reflecting its deep historical roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Echaniz

The surname Echaniz is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and neighboring regions such as Navarra, La Rioja, and Alava. It originates from the town of Echarri-Aranazi in Navarra, which has been a significant contributor to the dissemination of this surname. The name also appears sporadically in other parts of Spain, but its concentration remains highest in the Basque region. In addition, small communities bearing the surname Echaniz can be found in South America, primarily in Argentina and Uruguay, as a result of Basque immigration during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Echaniz

The surname Echaniz has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical spelling conventions. Some common variations include:

* Ekain (Basque form)
* Ikaine (French-ified Basque form)
* Ekainz (plural form in Basque)
* Ekaniz (alternate Basque spelling)
* Ikainez (French-ified plural Basque form)
* Ekainzo (genitive singular form in Basque)
* Ekanizo (genitive plural form in Basque)

The name originates from the Basque region and is derived from the word "ekain" which means "new". The plural forms with the "z" ending are more commonly used in modern times. It's important to note that surnames in the Basque Country can have multiple possible translations, and the correct one may depend on the specific family's origin or history.

Famous people with the last name Echaniz

One notable individual with the surname Echaniz is Agustin Echaniz y Aguirre (1832-1907), a Spanish military officer who served as Minister of War and Marine under Queen Isabella II. He played a significant role in modernizing the Spanish army, introducing reforms such as mandatory military service, standardized uniforms, and the creation of the General Staff.

Another famous Echaniz is Juan Ramon Echaniz (born 1965), a Basque writer and journalist. His works focus on the Basque Country's history and culture, exploring themes like nationalism, identity, and conflict. He has won several awards for his literary contributions.

Lastly, Eduardo Echaniz (born 1970) is a Spanish actor who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows since the 1990s. Some of his notable roles include 'The Sea Inside' (2004), for which he won a Goya Award for Best Supporting Actor, and 'Money Heist' (La Casa de Papel).

Genealogical research on the last name Echaniz

The surname Echaniz originates from the Basque region in northern Spain, and it is one of the many patronymic surnames that evolved there. The name is derived from the personal name "Etche," which means "new" or "young" in Basque. Over time, the name has evolved into various spellings such as Echaniz, Etxaniz, Etchaniz, and Echániz due to phonetic changes and regional dialects.

The Echaniz family is known to have migrated from the Basque Country to other parts of Spain during the Middle Ages, particularly during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries. Some branches of the family also settled in South America, including Argentina and Venezuela, during the Spanish colonization.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Echaniz include Juan Antonio Echevarría Echaniz (1794-1837), a Spanish military officer who fought against the French occupation; and José Antonio Echevarría (born 1950), a Cuban-American journalist, author, and activist.

Today, the surname Echaniz is most common in the Basque Country but can also be found in other parts of Spain and South America due to historical migrations.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Ech-chalkha (Last name)

surnames > ech-chalkha

I'm sorry, but I couldn't find any information on the origin of the last name "ech chalkha." It is possible that this last name is rare or unique, which could make it difficult to ...

Ech-chorfi (Last name)

surnames > ech-chorfi

The surname Ech-Chorfi is of Berber origin, specifically from the Kabyle (Kabylia) region in Algeria. The name can be translated as "the blacksmith" or "the ironworker" in Berber l...

Echaiz-guevara (Last name)

surnames > echaiz-guevara

The last name Echaiz Guevara is likely of Spanish origin. Echaiz is a Basque surname, derived from the Basque word "etxaz" meaning "house". Guevara is a Spanish surname that origin...

Echalil (Last name)

surnames > echalil

The last name "Echalil" appears to have its origin in the Persian language. It may be derived from a Persian word or place name.

Echandia (Last name)

surnames > echandia

The surname Echandia is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name or topographical feature, specifically referring to a "stone-covered area" in Basque or an open plain with m...

Echankuzhy (Last name)

surnames > echankuzhy

The last name "Echankuzhy" is of Indian origin. It is most likely derived from the place name Echankuzhi in the state of Kerala, India. This surname may indicate that the bearer's ...

Echaou (Last name)

surnames > echaou

The last name "Echaou" has its origins in Morocco. It is of Arabic origin and is derived from the word "achaoui," meaning "from the Chaouia region." The Chaouia are a Berber ethnic...

Echard (Last name)

surnames > echard

The last name "Echard" is of French origin. It is derived from a personal name, which was originally a short form of Aymonier (derived from the personal name Aymon), meaning 'exalt...

Echarri (Last name)

surnames > echarri

The surname Echarri is of Basque origin. The Basque Country is a region located on the northern coast of Spain and southwestern France. The Basque people have their own unique lang...

Echassendague (Last name)

surnames > echassendague

The surname Echassendague is of French origin. It is derived from a place name in the region of Normandy, specifically "Écquevilly" (Ecquendaguette) or "Écqueville-en-Caux" (Ecqu...

Echavia (Last name)

surnames > echavia

The surname "Echavia" is of Basque origin, coming from the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is derived from the Basque word "etxabea," meaning "house" or "home." This suggests ...

Echavidre (Last name)

surnames > echavidre

The surname Echavidre is believed to have originated from the Basque region, a historical territory in northern Spain and southern France. The Basque Country has a unique system fo...

Echchafu (Last name)

surnames > echchafu

The last name "Echchafu" is of Moroccan origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "ash-shafu", which means "healing" or "curing".

Echchaoui (Last name)

surnames > echchaoui

The name "echchaoui" seems to have Berber or North African origin, especially it could be Moroccan origin. However, there is no specific information about the ethymology or history...

Echchibi (Last name)

surnames > echchibi

The last name "Echchibi" is of Moroccan origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "shb," which means youth or young man.