Last Name Guirado

The surname "Guirado" is of Spanish origin. It derives from the medieval occupation of a "guardián," meaning guardian or protector in Spanish. This occupation was often hereditary and passed down within families, eventually becoming a common last name. Over time, various spelling variations emerged due to differences in local dialects and recording practices, such as Guirado, Guerrado, Gurrado, etc.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Guirado

The meaning and origin of the last name Guirado

The surname Guirado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Spanish word "guerrero," which means "warrior" or "soldier." Originally, it was likely used as a nickname for a valiant or warlike individual during the Middle Ages in Iberia. Over time, the name became hereditary and spread across various regions in Spain, eventually finding its way to other parts of the world due to colonization and migration. Today, it is most common among Spanish-speaking populations but can also be found among individuals with Hispanic ancestry living elsewhere. Notable figures bearing this surname include Francisco Guirado, a Spanish sculptor, and José Manuel Guirado, a Spanish musician and producer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Guirado

The last name Guirado has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Aragon, Catalonia, and Navarra, where it is one of the more common surnames. The highest concentration can be found in Huesca, a province in Aragon, where it is estimated that approximately 14% of the population bears this surname. Additionally, significant numbers of Guirados can also be found in Valencia and Barcelona, both in Catalonia. Outside of Spain, the name has been exported to various countries due to emigration, with notable communities in Argentina, Mexico, the United States, and France. In Argentina, the province of Salta has a considerable number of Guirados, mainly descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Guirado

The surname Guirado has several variations and spelling differences. Some common variations include Giurado, Gheurado, Ghiurado, Ghirardo, Girado, Jirado, and Jordao. These variations may arise due to regional dialects, transcribing errors over time, or personal preference in spelling. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific origin of the family and the language used in the region where they reside or immigrated from. The root word "Guira" is derived from a Basque term meaning 'strong, powerful', while "Girado" comes from the Latin name "Georatus," which means 'early-born'. Despite these variations, the surname Guirado/Girado/etc. retains its cultural and historical significance among the families that carry it.

Famous people with the last name Guirado

The Guirado surname has produced several notable figures across various fields. Francisco Javier Guirado, born in Spain, is a renowned architect who won the National Architecture Prize in 2003. In sports, Gonzalo Guirado is a professional footballer from Argentina, best known for his long-term stint with FC Barcelona and the Argentine national team. Spanish author Javier Guirado is famous for his crime novels, including "El Asesino de la Reina" and "Las Tres Bocetas." In the world of science, Juan Jose Guirado, a Mexican engineer, has made significant contributions to renewable energy research. Lastly, Maria del Mar Guirado, also from Spain, is an internationally recognized scholar in Classical Philology, specializing in Latin literature and Roman culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Guirado

The surname Guirado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old German "Werath" meaning "guide" or "guard," and was first documented in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. Its early bearers were likely Moorish converts or nobles in Christian territories, as it appeared frequently in historical records of Aragon and Castile from the 9th to the 12th centuries. The Guirado family expanded throughout Spain during the Reconquista period and later migrated to other parts of Europe, such as France, Italy, and Portugal. In America, many descendants of Spanish Guirados can be found in countries like Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Juan Guirado y López de Gómara, a 16th-century historian and soldier, and Rafael Guirado, a renowned Spanish football player of the 20th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Guirado"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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