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Last Name Embid

What is the origin of the last name Embid?

The surname Embid is of Basque origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town of Eibar, located in the Biscay region of the Basque Country in Spain. The name is thought to have been originally a topographic name for someone who lived near or worked on a hill or slope, as "embía" means "slope" in the Basque language. Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Embid as people migrated from Eibar and other parts of the Basque Country.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Embid

The meaning and origin of the last name Embid

The surname Embid is of Basque origin and is believed to have derived from a place name in the Basque region of Spain. Specifically, it is thought to originate from a village named Embiez, which can be found in the French Pyrenees-Atlantiques department, close to the Spanish border. The name is thought to have been brought to Spain by Basque migrants or pilgrims during the Middle Ages. Over time, it has become a widely distributed surname among Spanish and Basque populations, with variations including Embide, Embidia, and Embides. It is most commonly found in the provinces of Navarre, Aragon, and La Rioja in northern Spain, as well as in parts of France and South America, particularly Argentina.

Geographical distribution of the last name Embid

The surname Embid is predominantly found in the Philippines, where it originates from the Ilokano ethnic group residing primarily in the northern regions of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur provinces. However, its usage has spread nationwide due to migration. In Spain, another significant location for people with this last name, it is concentrated in the region of Galicia. Embid is also found in Argentina, particularly among Filipino immigrants and their descendants, especially in Buenos Aires. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in other countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia, where Filipino diaspora resides.

Variants and spellings of the last name Embid

The surname Embid has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects. Some common variants include: Embide, Embido, Embyd, Embyd, Embig, Embe, Ambid, Ambyd, and Imbid. These variations may originate from slight misspellings during data entry or immigration processes, or they could be the result of regional pronunciation differences. It is also worth noting that some families may intentionally change their surnames for personal reasons, such as assimilation or a desire to distance themselves from previous identities. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variants can trace their roots back to the original last name Embid.

Famous people with the last name Embid

The most notable individuals bearing the surname Embid are Joel Embiid and Marc Embid. Joel Embiid is a professional basketball player who was born in Cameroon and currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected third overall in the 2014 NBA draft and has become known for his dominant play style, versatility, and charismatic personality. Marc Embid, on the other hand, is a physician and public health researcher who specializes in infectious diseases and global health. He has worked extensively on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2020 for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and garnered widespread recognition for their accomplishments.

Genealogical research on the last name Embid

The Embid surname is most prevalent among Filipinos, particularly in the Cordillera Administrative Region and Ilocos Region. It is believed to originate from the town of Embac, now known as Embabo in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, where the first bearer of the name, Embid Sangkoy, is said to have come from. The surname Embid can be traced back to the 16th century when the Spanish colonizers arrived in the Philippines.

The Embids are known to have played significant roles in Filipino history. Lt. Gen. Romeo J. Embase, for example, was a military officer and a key figure during World War II and the Philippine-American War. In more recent times, Ambassador Eduardo de Vega Embong served as the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 1998 to 2005.

The Embid clan has also made contributions in various fields such as politics, education, and business, further solidifying the prominence of this surname within Filipino society.

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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