Last Name Encarnacion

The surname Encarnación has Spanish origins. It is derived from the Latin term "incarnatio," which means incarnation. In the Middle Ages, Spanish nobles and clergy adopted this surname to signify their religious devotion or lineage. Over time, it became a common surname among the general population in Spain. The name has since been brought to other parts of the world by Spanish immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Encarnacion

The meaning and origin of the last name Encarnacion

The surname Encarnacion is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name "Encarnación," which means "Incarnation" in English. It originated from the Catholic religious concept of the Incarnation, which refers to the belief that God became human in the form of Jesus Christ. This name was often given to children born around Christmas or Easter as a symbol of rebirth and new life. As a surname, Encarnacion is common among Spanish speakers, particularly in Spain and Latin America. Variations of the surname may include Encarnacao (Portuguese), Encarnação (Portuguese), Encarnazión (archaic Spanish), and others depending on regional spelling variations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Encarnacion

The surname Encarnacion has a significant presence in various regions, reflecting its Spanish origins. It is most prevalent in Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia and the island of Tenerife. In South America, it is common among countries with historical ties to Spain, such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and other Central and South American countries. The name also appears in the Philippines, due to its Spanish colonial history. In the United States, Encarnacion can be found predominantly in regions with large Hispanic populations, including California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, there are notable Encarnacion communities in Canada, particularly in Ontario, and in Australia, primarily in Queensland and New South Wales.

Variants and spellings of the last name Encarnacion

The surname Encarnacion has several variations and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation and translation over time. Some common variants include:

1. Encarnacion (most common, original Spanish spelling)
2. Carnecion (a phonetic variation)
3. Karnasut (an Estonian translation)
4. Karnecon (a Croatian transliteration)
5. Encarnacao (Portuguese version)
6. Encarnazion (misspelling)
7. Carnacion (misinterpretation of the surname as a given name, followed by a common English noun)
8. Inkarason (an Icelandic transliteration)
9. Enkarnatsioon (Estonian translation)
10. Karneconec (a phonetic variation in a different language)

It's essential to note that while these variations exist, the original Spanish spelling, Encarnacion, is the most widely recognized and commonly used form of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Encarnacion

Notable individuals bearing the surname Encarnacion include:

1. Yoenis Cespedes (born as Yoenis Oscar Cespedes Encarnación), a Cuban professional baseball outfielder who has played for several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, including the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He is a three-time MLB All-Star and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner.

2. Jose Bautista (born José Antonio Encarnación Batista), a Dominican professional baseball outfielder who has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves. Known for his powerful hitting, Bautista is a five-time All-Star and won the Home Run Derby in 2005 and 2019.

3. Franklin Gutierrez (born Franklin Encarnacion Gutierrez), a Venezuelan former professional baseball center fielder who played in MLB for teams such as the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He was selected to the All-Star Game twice during his career.

4. Edwin Encarnación (born Edwin Joaquín Encarnación), a Dominican professional baseball first baseman who has played for several MLB teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees. He is a three-time All-Star, winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2016.

Genealogical research on the last name Encarnacion

The last name Encarnacion originates from Spain and is derived from the Spanish word "encarnación," meaning incarnation, referring to the Christian belief in Jesus Christ's human embodiment. The surname spread across Europe during the Middle Ages due to religious migration and was brought to the New World by Spanish explorers and colonizers. In Mexico, Encarnacion is a common last name, particularly in regions with significant Spanish influence such as Veracruz, Puebla, and Jalisco. Notable individuals with the last name Encarnacion include Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes and Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire. Genealogical research on this surname can be challenging due to its prevalence in various Spanish-speaking countries, but resources such as census records, church baptismal and marriage records, and genealogy databases may provide useful information for family history research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Encarnacion"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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