Last Name Guadarrama

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guadarrama

The meaning and origin of the last name Guadarrama

The surname Guadarrama is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval period. It is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Guadarrama located approximately 60 kilometers northwest of Madrid. The town's name is thought to be a combination of two Arabic words: 'wadi' meaning valley or riverbed, and 'al-ahram,' which can refer to a monastic settlement or a fortified place. As the Moors controlled much of Spain during the Middle Ages, many place names, including Guadarrama, have Arabic roots due to their influence. The surname Guadarrama emerged as families residing near this town took on the name of their hometown as a form of identification, a common practice during the late Middle Ages and the subsequent centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guadarrama

The surname Guadarrama has a significant presence primarily within Spain and Mexico, with both countries showing high frequency. In Spain, particularly the autonomous community of Castile-Leon, specifically the provinces of Segovia, Valladolid, and Madrid, the name is commonly found due to its historical roots in these regions. In Mexico, it's most prominent in central and western states such as Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán, reflecting migration patterns from Spain during the colonial era. Additionally, small populations bearing the surname can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as well as in the United States, particularly in areas with high concentrations of Mexican immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guadarrama

The surname Guadarrama has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical periods. Some common variants include: Guadarrama, Guatarra, Guadarama, Guatarama, and Gutierrez de Guadarrama. These variations may occur as a result of misspellings, transcription errors, or intentional changes over time. Additionally, the surname can also be found with different prefixes such as de, del, y, and la, which are common in Spanish-speaking cultures and signify lineage, location, or patronage. It's essential to note that these variations may affect how the name is pronounced, depending on the regional accent of the individual bearing it.

Famous people with the last name Guadarrama

Notable individuals bearing the surname Guadarrama include:

1. Rafael Guadarrama (born 1973), a Mexican actor known for his roles in telenovelas such as "Rubi" and "Sin Ti."
2. Carlos Guadarrama (born 1986), a professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland Athletics.
3. Luis Felipe Guadarrama (1934-2009), a Mexican actor, comedian, and singer, best known for his collaborations with Cantinflas.
4. Marco Antonio Guadarrama (born 1976), a Mexican professional boxer who competed in the lightweight division.
5. Adrian Guadarrama (born 2003), a Mexican-American singer and songwriter who rose to fame on the music talent show "La Voz Kids" in Mexico.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including acting, sports, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Guadarrama

The surname Guadarrama originates from Spain, specifically from the Castile region. It is derived from the Arabic word "wad-ar-Rahman," meaning "valley of mercy." This toponymic name was given to people who lived in or near such valleys during Muslim rule in Spain, which ended in the late 15th century. The Guadarrama Mountains, a mountain range in central Spain, may have also contributed to the spread of this surname. The first known records of the Guadarrama family date back to the 16th century in Castile and later expanded throughout Spain and Spanish-speaking countries due to migration and colonization. Notable individuals with the surname include Spanish writers Francisco de Guadarrama (17th century) and José Guadarrama (20th century), a Mexican politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guadarrama"
• 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 : 23 July 2025