Last Name Faundez

The surname Faundez is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Old Castilian word "fondar," which means to found or establish. It was often used as a nickname for someone who founded a new town or settlement, or it could be occupational for a builder or land surveyor. The name may also have Moorish origins, with Arabic roots meaning "founder" or "builder." However, the specific origin of the surname Faundez can vary depending on regional and historical contexts in Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Faundez

The meaning and origin of the last name Faundez

The surname Faundez is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval period. It is derived from the Old French term "fond" or "fondé," which means "founded" or "established." The name was likely given to individuals who were founders or settlers in a particular place, or who established new towns or villages during the expansion of the Christian kingdoms in Spain. Over time, it has been anglicized to various forms such as Found, Foundis, and Faundez. The surname is common in countries with Spanish heritage, particularly Spain and Latin America. Notable figures bearing this name include Juan Rodriguez Fermin Felipe de Faundez y Castro, a governor of Peru during the colonial period, and Juan Pablo Fombuena Faundez, a contemporary Chilean politician.

Geographical distribution of the last name Faundez

The surname Faundez is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Chile and Argentina, due to its origin from the Basque region of Spain. In Chile, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames, and is particularly prevalent in the regions of Valparaíso, O'Higgins, and Santiago del Cuerpo. In Argentina, Faundez can be found primarily in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe. The name is also present in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, but with a significantly lower frequency compared to Chile and Argentina. Furthermore, some descendants of Basque immigrants may carry the surname Faundez in countries like the United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Variants and spellings of the last name Faundez

The surname Faundez has various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common variations include:

1. Fondez
2. Fundez
3. Faundis
4. Fawndes
5. Faudus
6. Fondais
7. Foundes
8. Fowndez
9. Foundez
10. Phoundez (phonetic spelling)

These variations may also appear with diacritic marks, such as Faundéz or Fondeẕ. It's important to note that these variations can be found in different regions and among individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the global dispersion of the name.

Famous people with the last name Faundez

Notable individuals bearing the surname Faundez include:

1. Jaime Guzmán Faundes (1927-1997), a Chilean lawyer and politician who co-founded the Christian Democratic Party, served as a senator, and was one of the main authors of the 1980 Chilean Constitution.

2. Carlos Faundes (born 1964), a Mexican former footballer who played as a striker for clubs like Cruz Azul and Chivas Guadalajara. He also represented Mexico in international competitions, such as the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

3. Mariano Faundes (born 1979), an Argentine professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like River Plate and Boca Juniors. He won multiple titles in his career and represented Argentina at the U-20 level.

4. Diego Fuentes Faundez (born 1986), a Chilean former footballer who played as a defender for clubs like Colo-Colo, Everton, and Cagliari Calcio. He was also part of the Chilean national team that won the Copa América Centenario in 2016.

5. Juan Pablo Faundez (born 1986), a Chilean professional footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs like Colo-Colo, Universidad de Chile, and San Lorenzo de Almagro. He also represented Chile at the senior level.

Genealogical research on the last name Faundez

The surname Faundez originates from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal, where it is thought to have derived from the occupational name "fondador" or "fundador," meaning founder, due to its association with early settlement and urban development during the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, many individuals bearing this name emigrated from Iberia to the Americas as a result of exploration and colonization efforts led by Spain and Portugal. In South America, the surname Faundez became particularly prominent in Chile and Argentina, where it is believed to have been introduced by Spanish conquerors. Notable individuals with this surname include Hernando de Magallanes, a famous explorer who was the first European to circumnavigate the globe, and Bernardo O'Higgins, a Chilean military and political leader who led Chile to independence from Spain. Today, the Faundez name remains common in South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina, as well as in Spain and Portugal.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Faundez"
• 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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