What is the origin of the last name Guijo?

The surname "Guijo" is of Spanish origin. It comes from the Old Spanish word "guijar" which means "millstone." Over time, this word evolved into "Guijo" as a surname. It was likely given to someone who worked with or near a millstone, such as a miller or someone who made millstones. However, like many surnames, the specific origin may vary depending on the particular family and region where it was used.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Guijo

The surname Guijo is of Spanish origin, stemming from medieval times when most people lived in small communities and identified themselves by their occupation, place of origin, or a physical characteristic. The name Guijo, specifically, is thought to have originated from the Occitan word "guia," which means guide or leader. This could suggest that an early bearer of this surname may have been a prominent figure in his community, such as a guide for travelers or a local leader. Over time, the name spread throughout Spain and its territories, with variations including Guijarro, Guijuelo, and Guijarra appearing in different regions. Today, the surname remains common among Spanish speakers, particularly in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guijo

The surname Guijo is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Extremadura and Castile-La Mancha, where it represents a significant portion of the local population. Additionally, it has a notable presence in other Spanish provinces such as Madrid, Seville, and Malaga. Outside of Spain, there are Guijo families in Argentina, mainly in the province of Buenos Aires, and smaller populations can be found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, primarily among Spanish and Argentinean immigrants. The geographical distribution of the name suggests a historical connection to the Iberian Peninsula, with significant dispersal through Spanish migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guijo

The surname Guijo has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation and transcription over time and across regions. Here are some possible versions:

* Giujo, Guixo, Guijo, Guicho (common Spanish variants)
* Guijo, Guixo, Guicho (Portuguese variants)
* Guiho, Guichot (French variants)
* Guicho, Guihos (Italian variants)
* Giougo, Gyujo (Hungarian variant)

These variations may also have additional letters or diacritical marks depending on the specific language and region. Additionally, some family names may have been altered due to historical reasons such as censuses, immigration records, or changes in orthography over time. It's important to note that there is no definitive or "correct" spelling for a surname like Guijo, as it can vary based on personal preference and historical context.

Famous people with the last name Guijo

The Guijo family has produced several notable figures across various fields. In the realm of music, Miguel Angel Guijo, also known as Miqui Puig, is a renowned Spanish DJ and record producer who gained international recognition with his distinctive deep house sound. From the world of literature, Carlos Guijarro was a celebrated Spanish cartoonist and illustrator, best known for his work on "El Botones Sacarino," a popular comic strip in Spain. In sports, Maria del Mar Guijo, born in 1982, is a former Spanish tennis player who reached the semifinals of the US Open in 2004. Lastly, in the scientific community, Jose Guijo y Morentin, a Spanish physician, was one of the key figures in the development of the study of tropical medicine and parasitology during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These individuals highlight the versatility and accomplishments within the Guijo family across various disciplines.

Genealogical research on the last name Guijo

The surname Guijo, also spelled as Guijó, is of Spanish origin and is derived from various places named Guijo in Spain, most notably in the regions of Castile-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Extremadura. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the 15th century, in Old Castilian documents, where it was written as Guihio or Guiho.

The Guijo family has been documented throughout Spanish history, with notable figures like Juan de Guijó y Valderrábano, a prominent lawyer and writer in the late 16th century, and Manuel Guijarro y de la Serna, a key figure in the defense of Madrid during the Peninsular War.

In modern times, the Guijo family has spread across Spain and other parts of the world due to migration, with significant populations found in Argentina, Mexico, Cuba, and the United States. The variations in spelling (Guijó, Guijarro, etc.) reflect the phonetic changes that have occurred over time and geographical differences.

In genealogical research, it is essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors or family members with this surname, as well as examining records from multiple regions in Spain.

Last name distribution maps

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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.

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