Last Name Echarri

Learn more about the origin of the last name Echarri

The meaning and origin of the last name Echarri

The surname Echarri is a Basque name, which originates from the ancient and distinctive language and culture of the Basque people, who reside primarily in the Basque Country region, spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. The name Echarri is derived from the toponymic (place-name) origin, indicating that it was initially used to identify someone from a specific location. In this case, Echarri is believed to come from the place name "Etxarri", meaning 'new house' or 'farmhouse' in Basque. Over time, as families moved and populations migrated, names like Echarri became widespread within the Basque community and beyond. Today, Echarri remains a common surname among individuals with Basque ancestry, serving as a testament to their rich cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Echarri

The surname Echarri has its origins in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southern France. A significant number of Echarris reside within the three Basque provinces of Spain: Gipuzkoa, Biscay, and Alava. Outside the Basque Country, there is also a notable presence of Echarris in Navarre, another Spanish province with a substantial Basque-speaking population. In addition to these regions, small groups of Echarri descendants can be found in various parts of Spain, particularly in Castile and Catalonia, as well as in other countries with historical ties to the Basque Country such as Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Basques, both within Iberia and across the Atlantic Ocean during colonial times.

Variants and spellings of the last name Echarri

The surname Echarri has several variations and spellings. These include:

1. Echarry: This is one of the most common variations of the name, with an additional 'y' at the end.
2. Echarre: This spelling is less common but still found among Spanish-speaking families. The extra 'e' added to the traditional spelling changes the pronunciation slightly.
3. Escharri: In some cases, the name can be found with a different vowel at the beginning. However, this variation may not be as widely recognized or used.
4. Ejarrí: This is a Basque variant of the surname, where 'E' represents the letter 'E' in the Basque alphabet, and 'rr' serves as a single consonant, pronounced like an English double 'r'.
5. Ichary or Icharry: These variations are found among Spanish-speaking immigrants to other countries, such as Argentina or Mexico, where pronunciation can sometimes change over time.
6. Eschari (or similar variations with a "ch" sound): This could be a result of a phonetic adaption to languages that do not have the 'Echar' sound, such as English or French.
7. Eachery: This spelling is a possible Anglicization of the name, which might have occurred among Spanish immigrants who were Anglophone or in Anglophone environments.

These variations and spellings highlight the versatility and adaptability of the surname Echarri, demonstrating its rich history and diverse distribution across different regions and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Echarri

The Echarri surname is found across various fields and geographies, showcasing its versatility and influence over generations. One of the most notable figures bearing this name is Jorge Echarri (b. 1967), an Argentine actor who has gained international recognition for his work in both cinema and television. His career spans over three decades, with memorable roles in series like "Soy Luna" and "La Casa de al Lado."

Another prominent figure is Mikel Echarri (b. 1996), a Spanish athlete specializing in long jump and triple jump events. He represented Spain at the 2016 Summer Olympics, reaching the final round of the long jump competition. Additionally, he is a multiple-time Spanish national champion and holds numerous records in his event groups.

Lastly, Ana Echarri (b. 1978), a Spanish journalist and television presenter, has carved out an impressive career in broadcasting. She has worked with notable networks such as Telecinco, Antena 3, and Cuatro, presenting popular programs like "La Resistencia" and "El Hormiguero."

These individuals have demonstrated the remarkable accomplishments achievable by those bearing the Echarri surname in their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Echarri

The surname Echarri is primarily found in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. Historical records suggest that the earliest known bearer of the name was Juan de Echarri, who lived during the late medieval period in Navarre, Spain. Through centuries, the family expanded across towns such as Estella, Loyola, and Ezcaray within Navarre, as well as in Gipuzkoa and Biscaye provinces of the Spanish Basque Country. One notable member was Ignacio de Echarri y Arteaga (1729-1803), a military officer and governor of the Philippines during the late 18th century. Another lineage, the Echarri family of Logroño, made significant contributions to the arts, literature, and education in Spain during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, descendants of the Echarri surname can be found around the world, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States, reflecting historical migrations from the Basque Country.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Echarri"
• 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 : 13 June 2025