Last Name Esquiva

The surname "Esquiva" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Old Spanish term "esquiva," which means "evasion" or "parry." This surname could have originally been a nickname for someone who was agile, quick, or skilled at dodging, similar to the English word "eschew." In the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages, many surnames emerged as a result of the need to distinguish people with the same given names. In the case of Esquiva, it is likely that the surname was initially used to differentiate individuals who shared a common first name from others in their community. As Spanish explorers and colonizers spread across the Americas in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, many individuals bearing the "Esquiva" surname accompanied them, settling in various regions of South America, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Mexico. Over time, the surname became more widespread among these countries' populations, with variations in spelling arising due to differences in linguistic and orthographic conventions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Esquiva

The meaning and origin of the last name Esquiva

The surname Esquiva is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "esquiva," which means "parry" or "evasion." This name was often given to individuals who were skilled at dodging or deflecting attacks, likely due to their military background or as a symbolic representation of their agility and quick-wittedness. Over time, the name has been passed down through various generations and can now be found among Spanish-speaking populations around the world. It is an intriguing example of how personal names in the past were often chosen to reflect one's character or profession.

Geographical distribution of the last name Esquiva

The surname Esquiva is predominantly found in Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal. In Brazil, it is most frequent in the southeastern states such as Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. In Portugal, it can be found across various regions, with higher concentrations in the northern provinces of Minho and Douro. The surname also has a presence in other Portuguese-speaking countries like Angola and Mozambique, due to historical migrations. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the Esquiva surname in Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Spain and some South American nations, suggesting possible cultural or historical connections between Portugal and Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Esquiva

The surname Esquiva has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common versions include Escuiva, Escuibar, Escuiba, Escuive, Eskuiva, Eskuibar, Eskuiba, and Eskuive. These variations may originate from slight errors during transcription or differences in the way the name was pronounced over time. The correct spelling of a particular variant might depend on historical context, geographical location, or personal preference. It's essential to note that all these versions share similar roots and likely stem from the same original name.

Famous people with the last name Esquiva

The most notable individuals bearing the surname Esquiva are primarily associated with Brazilian sports and entertainment industries. Among them is Esquivar Ferreira da Silva, commonly known as Esquiva Falcao, an Olympic bronze medalist and three-time World Champion boxer in the middleweight division. He is recognized for his agility in the ring, earning him the nickname "The Flea." In a different realm, Ana Maria Braga Esquiva, also known by her stage name Anitta, has become a prominent figure in Brazilian pop music. She gained international recognition with hits like "Show das Poderosas" and collaborations with artists such as J Balvin and Cardi B. Both Esquivar Ferreira da Silva and Ana Maria Braga Esquiva have brought significant recognition to the name Esquiva in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Esquiva

The surname Esquiva is primarily of Spanish origin and is derived from the occupation of an esquivo, meaning "skirmisher" or "evader" in reference to a light infantry soldier during medieval times. The name is also found in Portugal, particularly in the region of Alentejo, where it may have been brought by Moorish settlers prior to the Christian Reconquista.

In Spain, Esquiva can be found predominantly in regions such as Castile and León, Extremadura, and Andalusia. Notable figures with this surname include Spanish footballer Fernando Esquivel and the Mexican politician Juan Esquivia Alcocer.

In Portugal, variants of the name include Escrivão (meaning "scribe" or "clerk") and Escobar (which can mean both "granary" and "shield-bearer"). In Brazil, due to Portuguese colonial influence, Esquiva is also found, with notable figures including lawyer Francisco de Paula Esquiva and politician Francisco da Costa Esquiva.

The name's global distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of Spanish and Portuguese settlers, particularly during the Age of Discoveries and subsequent colonization efforts.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Esquiva"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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