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Last Name Esquinazi

What is the origin of the last name Esquinazi?

The surname Esquinazi is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the medieval period. It is derived from a place name, specifically a castle or fortress named "Esquina" located in several regions of Spain, such as Aragon, Catalonia, and Castile-La Mancha. Surnames began to appear in Europe during the Middle Ages as a way of identifying individuals within communities. Initially, they were mainly occupational or geographical indicators, with many people taking their surnames from their place of origin or the occupation of their ancestors. Over time, these surnames have evolved and spread across various regions, resulting in multiple variations in spelling and pronunciation.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Esquinazi

The meaning and origin of the last name Esquinazi

The surname Esquinazi is of Basque origin, specifically from the region spanning southern France and northern Spain. In the Basque language, "esku" means "hand" and "nazi" or "anitz" can refer to "new." Therefore, the name Esquinazi could potentially translate to "New Hand," though exact interpretations may vary within the Basque community due to its complex naming traditions. The name is a reflection of the rich cultural history of the Basque people, who have maintained their distinct language and customs despite living in areas heavily influenced by other cultures throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Esquinazi

The surname Esquinazi is primarily concentrated in Spain and its Latin American diaspora, with significant populations found in countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking nations due to historical migration patterns. Within Spain, it's most prevalent in the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia, reflecting the region's rich cultural history and diverse linguistic heritage. The name often appears in variations such as Esquínaz, Esquinaza, or Eskuinazi, reflecting regional dialectal differences. In a broader context, the Esquinazi surname can also be found in other parts of Europe, particularly Italy and France, indicating possible origin from those regions prior to migration to Spain. However, it's important to note that these are general trends and individual cases may vary based on specific family histories.

Variants and spellings of the last name Esquinazi

The surname Esquinazi has several variations and spellings. The most common ones include Escuinazi, Eskuinazi, Escuinaez, Escuinace, Escuinasi, and Escuinaz. These variations may be due to differences in spelling conventions over time and in different regions. Additionally, the name can also appear as Escozain or Escoces in some historical records from Catalonia, Spain, where it originates. It is derived from the Occitan word "esquinada", meaning "cornered" or "narrow". The surname Esquinazi is most commonly found among people of Catalan descent, particularly in regions such as Argentina, Uruguay, and Spain.

Famous people with the last name Esquinazi

The Esquivel family, particularly the Esquivel brothers, have made significant contributions to various fields, making them notable figures with the surname Esquinazi. Juan Esquivel Sabater, born in Mexico City in 1934, was a renowned Mexican organist and composer known for his innovative fusion of classical music and Latin American rhythms. His album "Mexican Fiesta" is considered a classic in Latin music. On the other hand, Jorge Esquivel, an American entrepreneur, co-founded Pandora Media, one of the world's largest internet radio services. In sports, Richard Esquinas, born in Cuba, was a professional tennis player who reached the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in the 1970s. Lastly, Ana Isabelle Esquivel, a Mexican-American actress, is best known for her role as Gloria Caldwell on "General Hospital." These individuals have left their mark across music, business, sports, and entertainment, making the name Esquinazi notable in various industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Esquinazi

The surname Esquinazi originates from Spain and is believed to have derived from various locations with the name "Escuderos" or "Esquina" in the Basque Country, Aragon, and Castile regions. Some of the earliest known instances of this surname include Juan de Escuinaza who was a knight serving under King Ferdinand II of Aragon in the 15th century. The Esquinazi family later migrated to South America during the colonial period, particularly to Argentina, where the name has remained prominent. In Argentina, notable individuals with the surname include Juan Carlos Esquiú, an Argentine lawyer and politician who served as a senator from 1983 to 1997, and Mariano Esquiu, an Argentine painter known for his works in the 20th century. The name is also found in other parts of the world due to subsequent migrations.

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 : 11 August 2025

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