Last Name Guerra

The surname Guerra is of Latin origin. It translates to "war" or "battle" in English. This name was often given to someone who was a soldier or a fighter, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone with a warlike character. The name spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and was later brought to various parts of the world by Spanish and Portuguese explorers and colonizers. It is common among Hispanic and Latino communities, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and many Central and South American countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guerra

The meaning and origin of the last name Guerra

The surname Guerra is of Latin origin, derived from the word "bellum" which means war or battle in Latin. It was primarily used by individuals involved in military service during the Middle Ages in regions where Roman influence was strong, such as Spain and Portugal. As a result, many individuals with the surname Guerra can be found in these countries today. The name may have also been given to children born during a time of conflict or to parents who had fought in wars. In modern times, it is primarily found among Hispanic populations, particularly in Latin America. However, due to immigration and the intermingling of cultures, individuals with the surname Guerra can be found worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guerra

The surname Guerra is predominantly distributed in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Portugal and Spain. In the Iberian Peninsula, it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames in both nations. In Latin America, the name Guerra is widely found across various countries including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. In these regions, it often indicates African or Indigenous ancestry due to the historical influence of these groups in the formation of local populations. Additionally, the name can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish and Portuguese immigrants have settled, such as Cuba, the United States, and certain countries in Europe like France and Italy. Notably, the name Guerra is not exclusive to Spanish or Portuguese speakers, as it has been adopted by individuals from diverse backgrounds due to historical events or personal preferences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guerra

The surname Guerra has multiple variations and spellings worldwide. Some common spelling variations include Warra, Guevara, Guerrero, Gwerra, Guerra de Quintanar, de la Guerra, Guerre, Guierra, and Warre. The name originates from the Spanish language, where it means "war" or "fight". It is a popular surname in Hispanic countries such as Spain, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, but it can also be found among the Portuguese-speaking population in Brazil. Due to historical migration patterns, many people with the Guerra name reside outside of their origin countries, creating further spelling variations based on local language and dialect differences.

Famous people with the last name Guerra

The Guerra surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields, including politics, arts, and sports. In politics, Miguel Ángel Guerra Marrero served as the President of Uruguay from 2010 to 2015. José "Pepe" Guerra, born in Puerto Rico, was a prominent figure in American music and entertainment, known for his work with popular bands like Menudo and Siempre en Domingo. In sports, Héctor López Guerra, also from Puerto Rico, had an illustrious career as a professional boxer. He won the WBA featherweight title and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017. Additionally, Carlos Guerra, a Mexican-American artist, is recognized for his contributions to Chicano art and activism. His work explores identity, cultural heritage, and social justice issues. These individuals demonstrate the multifaceted impact of the Guerra surname on global society.

Genealogical research on the last name Guerra

The surname Guerra has origins rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in Portugal and Spain. It derives from the Latin word "bellum" or "guerra", meaning war. This name was often given to someone who demonstrated bravery or was born during a time of war. The first known records of the surname Guerra date back to the 15th century in both Spain and Portugal. Notable bearers of this surname include the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who conquered the Aztec Empire in the 16th century, and Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. The Guerra family expanded significantly during the colonization of the Americas, with many descendants settling in regions such as Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. Today, the surname Guerra is common across Latin America and among Portuguese and Spanish communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guerra"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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