Last Name Escamez

The surname Escamez is a Spanish patronymic surname derived from the given name "Escama," which means 'scale' or 'shield' in English. It is believed to have been originally used as a nickname for someone who was considered to have a scaly or armored appearance, or possibly for a blacksmith who made armor or shields. The surname Escamez can be found predominantly in Spain and Portugal, where it has been traced back to the Middle Ages. It is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries, such as Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba, due to historical migrations from Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Escamez

The meaning and origin of the last name Escamez

The surname Escamez is of Spanish origin, derived from the Occitan word "escalmis," meaning "scalp" or "shield." The name was often given to a soldier who wore a helmet with a crest shaped like a scalp, symbolizing victory in battle. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation evolved into its current form in various regions of Spain. Notably, it is most common in the Castile-La Mancha region. The name's popularity spread as Spanish explorers and settlers ventured to other parts of the world, including South America, where Escamez is now a common surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Escamez

The last name Escamez is predominantly distributed in Mexico, particularly in the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, where it originates from indigenous Zapotec or Mixtec roots. A significant number of individuals with this surname can also be found in other regions within Mexico, such as Veracruz, Chiapas, Guerrero, and Mexico City. Additionally, there is a sizeable Escamez population in the United States, particularly in California, Texas, Illinois, and Florida, due to migration patterns over the past few centuries. Smaller numbers of people with this surname can be found in other parts of Latin America and Europe, reflecting historical migration and cultural exchange.

Variants and spellings of the last name Escamez

The surname Escamez can have various spellings and pronunciations due to regional differences and transcription errors over time. Some common variants include Escaméz, Escanéz, Eskamez, Eskamey, Isquimez, Iscamez, and Iscamey. These variations primarily arise from the use of different diacritics or silent letters in certain regions. The name Escamez is most commonly found in Spain, particularly in the region of Aragon and Navarra, but it can also be found among Hispanic populations in other countries. It is derived from a geographical location or occupation associated with farming tools, as "esca" means "scoop" or "shovel," and "-mez" denotes a place or origin.

Famous people with the last name Escamez

The Escamez surname has produced notable figures across various fields. In the realm of entertainment, Juan Antonio Escamilla, known professionally as El Gato Escamisas, is a renowned Mexican comedian and voice actor. His career spans over four decades, making him one of the most influential comedy figures in Mexico. In the world of sports, Ana Escamiz, a Paraguayan judoka, has represented her country in multiple Olympic Games. She won the bronze medal at the 2019 Pan American Games and is a three-time gold medalist at the South American Judo Championships. Lastly, in the realm of academia, María de la Luz Escamilla, born in Mexico, is an accomplished mathematician who made significant contributions to the theory of algebraic curves. She was the first woman to be elected as a full member of the Mexican Academy of Sciences. These figures exemplify the diverse achievements and global reach of individuals with the last name Escamez.

Genealogical research on the last name Escamez

The surname Escamez has roots in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have originated from the Visigothic or Moorish periods. Variants such as Escames, Escamis, Escamos, and Escame are also found. The name is thought to be of topographic origin, derived from a place named Escamez or a similar designation, indicating a steep or rocky terrain. In Spain, the name Escamez was recorded in the province of Alicante as early as the 15th century, suggesting an association with the region. In Portugal, it can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly in the northern regions of Minho and Trás-os-Montes. Escamez families emigrated from Spain and Portugal to the Americas during the colonial period, establishing settlements in Mexico, Cuba, and the Philippines. In these countries, the name has been recorded since the 16th century and continues to be common today. Notable individuals with the surname Escamez include Spanish painter Vicente Escudero y Escamez (1825-1907) and Mexican artist Alejandro Escamez (b. 1943). The genealogy of the Escamez family is thus richly diverse, tracing its origins to Iberia while spreading across continents through time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Escamez"
• 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

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