Last Name Garrigues

The surname Garrigues is a toponymic name, which means it originated from a place. In this case, it is derived from various locations named "Garigue" or similar variations found throughout France and Spain. The term "garigue" refers to a type of Mediterranean vegetation consisting of shrubs and small trees that grow on dry, rocky ground. Over time, the name has been adopted as a surname by people who lived near such areas or originated from them. In France, there are several places named Garrigues, including the department of Hérault in Occitanie, as well as various towns and villages. In Spain, there is also a village called Garigilla. These locations may have contributed to the spread of the surname among French and Spanish populations over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Garrigues

The meaning and origin of the last name Garrigues

The surname Garrigues is a variant of Garigue, which is derived from the Occitan word "garri" meaning 'rocky ground'. This surname is most commonly associated with individuals of Catalan and French descent, as it originates from the region in southern France known as Languedoc-Roussillon. The name was often given to people who lived on or near rocky terrain. Over time, variations such as Garrigue, Garriques, and Garrigues emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation among regions and over centuries. Today, the surname Garrigues is found worldwide, reflecting the diaspora of its bearers throughout history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Garrigues

The surname Garrigues is predominantly found in Spain and its influence extends to other Spanish-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, Navarra, and Castile-La Mancha, where it originated as a topographic name for someone who lived on rocky or stony land (derived from the Old Occitan word "garriga" meaning 'thicket' or 'bramble'). Outside of Spain, significant numbers of people bearing the surname Garrigues can be found in Latin American countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, as a result of immigration during the colonial era. In the United States, it is primarily concentrated in states with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as Florida, California, Texas, and New Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Garrigues

The surname Garrigues has multiple variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in translation, phonetic interpretation, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Garigues, Garrigue, Garriques, and Garrige. These alterations may result from slight changes in pronunciation or spelling errors in historical records. Additionally, the name can have different origins; it could be of French or Spanish origin, both meaning "oak grove." The French variant is derived from the word "garrigue," a term used to describe scrubland vegetation typically found in southern France and Catalonia. In contrast, the Spanish variant stems from the Old Occitan term "garrija," which also means oak grove.

Famous people with the last name Garrigues

The Garrigues surname is associated with several notable figures in various fields. In the world of literature, Juan Garrigues (1872-1944) was a Spanish poet known for his romantic and mystical verses. In the realm of law, Eduardo Moyano Garrigues (born 1965) is a renowned Spanish lawyer who has worked on high-profile cases and served as President of the General Council of the Spanish Bar Association. Another prominent figure is Marc Garrigues (born 1978), a French tennis player who reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2003. Lastly, in music, Ana Garrigues (born 1965) is a Spanish singer-songwriter whose folk-inspired songs have earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. These individuals represent the diversity and achievements of those bearing the Garrigues surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Garrigues

The surname Garrigues is of Occitan origin, deriving from the Old Provencal word "garric" meaning 'oak'. Its earliest documented appearance can be traced back to the 13th century in southern France and northern Spain, regions where the Occitan language was prevalent. Over time, variations such as Gariguez, Garriques, and Garrigue have also emerged due to regional dialects and spelling differences.

The Garrigues family dispersed significantly during the 15th century, with some members moving to Catalonia, Aragon, and Navarre in Spain, while others migrated to Italy, Germany, and eventually other European countries, including England and Ireland. The name also arrived in the American continent through Spanish colonization, particularly in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and various areas of the United States, such as Louisiana and Texas.

Notable individuals with the surname Garrigues include Jean-Baptiste Garrigues (1754-1826), a French naval officer, and Joseph Aloysius Garrigues (1839-1884), an American politician who served as Governor of Nevada. With such a rich history and geographical spread, the Garrigues lineage continues to be a fascinating study for genealogists worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Garrigues"
• 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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