Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Gamarra

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Gamarra?

The surname Gamarra is of Spanish origin. It derives from a medieval occupation, specifically a person who was a "gamariño" or someone who worked with small animals, particularly birds. This name is also found in Portugal and Galicia, where it may have different origins. In Portugal, it could be related to the topography, meaning "from the rocky place." However, the specific origin of the surname Gamarra can vary depending on the particular family history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Gamarra

The meaning and origin of the last name Gamarra

The surname Gamarra is of Spanish origin, specifically Basque-Navarrese in its roots. It derives from the toponymic name "Gamarra", which originally referred to a place where wild garlic (garrotxa in Basque) grew abundantly. This surname can be found primarily in northern Spain and parts of southwestern France due to historical migration patterns of the Basque people. Over time, the spelling may have evolved slightly to conform to regional phonetics or scribal conventions. The name Gamarra has been borne by notable figures such as María de los Ángeles Gamarra, a Spanish actress and singer, and Juan Gamarra, a Peruvian politician.

Geographical distribution of the last name Gamarra

The surname Gamarra is predominantly found in South America, particularly in Peru and neighboring countries such as Bolivia and Ecuador. This surname has its roots in the Andean region, where it is often carried by individuals of indigenous heritage, including Quechua and Aymara communities. In addition to South America, there are also smaller populations of Gamarra-surnamed individuals in Spain, due to historical migration patterns. The name can be found in various regions within these countries, but it is most concentrated in urban areas like Lima, La Paz, and Quito. In the United States and other diaspora communities, the name is often associated with Peruvian or Bolivian descent. The Gamarra surname thus offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history and geographical distribution of South American populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Gamarra

The surname Gamarra has multiple variants and spellings due to differences in regional pronunciation, translation errors, and personal preferences. Some common variations include: Gamara, Gámarra, Gaamara, Jamarra, Xamarra, Zamarra, among others. In Spanish, the name Gamarra is typically derived from the word "gamu" (goose) and "arra" (small field or area). The pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region of origin, such as Castilian Spanish (hah-mahr-rah), Andalusian Spanish (ha-mahr-ra), or South American Spanish (gah-mahr-rah). These variations demonstrate the rich cultural history and linguistic diversity of the name Gamarra.

Famous people with the last name Gamarra

The Gamarra family has produced several notable figures across various fields, including sports, entertainment, and politics. One of the most recognized is Julio César Gamarra (born 1954), a retired Peruvian football player who played for clubs such as Sporting Cristal and Universitario de Deportes in Peru, and for Real Valladolid in Spain. He was also a member of the Peru national team and participated in the 1978 FIFA World Cup. In the entertainment industry, Juan Carlos Gamarra (born 1954), a Peruvian actor, has had an extensive career both on stage and screen. He has won several awards for his performances, including two Peruvian Academy of Cinema Arts Awards. Politically, Susana Villarán de Gamarra (born 1960) is a well-known figure in Peru as a political scientist, activist, and former Minister of Women and Vulnerable Populations under the administration of President Martín Vizcarra. She has been a vocal advocate for gender equality and women's rights in Peru. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements within the Gamarra family.

Genealogical research on the last name Gamarra

The surname Gamarra is predominantly of Basque origin, with roots traced back to the historical Basque provinces of Spain and France. The name derives from the Basque word "gamuria," meaning 'young man' or 'youth.' Throughout history, various branches of the Gamarra family have migrated across different regions, particularly into South America during the colonial era. In Peru, the Gamarra clan played significant roles in politics and commerce since the Viceroyalty period. Notable figures include Manuel Ignacio de Gamarra, a military commander in the Peruvian War of Independence, and Mariano Melgarejo Gamarra, who served as President of Peru from 1863 to 1865. The name has also been prevalent in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, with various branches continuing to flourish globally today.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
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 :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Gama-da-silva

Last name • surnames > gama-da-silva

The last name "Gama da Silva" is of Portuguese origin. "Gama" is a common surname in Portugal, originating from the region of Alentejo. "Da Silva" is also a common Portuguese surna...

#2 Gama-de-souza

Last name • surnames > gama-de-souza

The surname Gama-de-Souza is a Portuguese-Brazilian name that consists of two distinct components. "Gama" is a toponymic surname, which means it originated from a place named Gama...

#3 Gamachuisa

Last name • surnames > gamachuisa

The last name "Gamachuisa" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "gama" which means "shade" or "hue" and the suffix "-chuisa" which possibly denotes a place or ...

#4 Gamag

Last name • surnames > gamag

The surname Gamag originates from the Philippines. It is a common Filipino surname that may have originated from a local language or cultural influence.

#5 Gamal ahmed

Last name • surnames > gamal-ahmed

The last name "Gamal Ahmed" likely originates from Arabic language and culture. "Gamal" means "beautiful" or "handsome" in Arabic, and "Ahmed" is a common Arabic name meaning "high...

#6 Gamal bk

Last name • surnames > gamal-bk

The last name Gamal Bk appears to have Arabic origins. Gamal is a common Arabic given name meaning "beautiful" or "handsome", while Bk may refer to a tribal or family name.

#7 Gamal eldin

Last name • surnames > gamal-eldin

Gamal Eldin is an Arabic surname. It is believed to be of Egyptian origin. "Gamal" means beauty and "Eldin" means religion or faith in Arabic.

#8 Gamaleldin

Last name • surnames > gamaleldin

The last name Gamaleldin is of Arabic origin. The name is derived from the elements "Gamal" meaning "beauty" and "Eldin" meaning "of the faith" or "of the religion". Overall, the n...

#9 Gamaliy

Last name • surnames > gamaliy

The surname Gamaliy appears to have Hebrew origins. It may be derived from the name Gamaliel, which is a biblical name that means "God is my reward" in Hebrew. Gamaliel was a respe...

#10 Gamallo

Last name • surnames > gamallo

The surname Gamallo is of Spanish origin. It comes from the medieval occupation name for a maker or seller of small gems or precious stones, derived from the Latin word "gemmula" w...

#11 Gamalzhe

Last name • surnames > gamalzhe

The last name "Gamalzhe" is of Arabic origin. It may be derived from the Arabic word "gamal," meaning camel, or "gamila," meaning beautiful or handsome.

#12 Gamanayake

Last name • surnames > gamanayake

The last name Gamanayake originates from Sri Lanka. It is commonly found among the Sinhalese ethnic group in the country. The name is derived from the Sinhala language and is typic...

#13 Gamarinda

Last name • surnames > gamarinda

The last name Gamarinda is of Basque origin. It is derived from the Basque words "gama" meaning "goose" and "rinda" meaning "path" or "way." It likely originally referred to a pers...

#14 Gamarro

Last name • surnames > gamarro

The surname Gamarro is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "gamarra," which means a short and ample mantle or cloak. The surname likely originated as an occupati...

#15 Gamayo

Last name • surnames > gamayo

The surname "Gamayo" originates from the Philippines. It is derived from the Spanish word "gamay," meaning small or little. This surname may have been assigned to a person with a s...