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Last Name Higuera

What is the origin of the last name Higuera?

The surname Higuera is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name, specifically "Las Higueras," a location in the province of Seville, Spain. This toponym comes from the Latin word "hierba" meaning "herb," and "Ficus," which refers to fig trees. The name likely indicates that the original bearer lived near a grove or an area where fig trees grew abundantly.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Higuera

The meaning and origin of the last name Higuera

The surname Higuera is of Spanish origin, stemming from the Latin word "higuerus," which means "fig tree." In Old Spanish, it evolved into "higure" and later "higuera." This surname was often given to individuals who lived near a fig tree or whose ancestors did so. The use of topographic names, like Higuera, became widespread in medieval Spain as an easy way to identify people based on their location. Over time, the name spread throughout Spanish-speaking regions, including Latin America, where it is still common today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Higuera

The last name Higuera is predominantly found in regions with Spanish-speaking heritage, particularly in Spain and various Latin American countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it is most common in Mexico, where it ranks among the top 100 surnames by frequency. In Spain, it is relatively uncommon but found mainly in the provinces of Huelva, Malaga, and Cadiz. The name also appears in small numbers in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Chile, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. In the United States, individuals with the last name Higuera are primarily of Hispanic or Latino origin, with concentrations in states like California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Additionally, it may be found among immigrants from Spain who have settled in these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Higuera

The surname Higuera has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. These include Higueras, Higuera-San Juan, Higuero, Higueros, Higuero, de Higüera, Higuerra, Higuerra-García, and Higueruelo, among others. The name is of Spanish origin and means "fig tree" in English. It is a common surname in Spain and Latin America, particularly in regions with extensive fig tree cultivation. Variations may arise due to regional pronunciation differences, transcription errors during immigration, or personal preference when adopting a different spelling. However, the etymology and meaning of the name remain consistent across these variations.

Famous people with the last name Higuera

The Higuera surname is notably represented by several prominent individuals across various fields. In sports, Jorge Luis Pinto Higuera, born in Costa Rica, is a renowned football coach who managed the Costa Rican national team during their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In literature, Juan Humberto Higuera is a Colombian writer and journalist who has received multiple international awards for his work. He is best known for novels like "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" and "The Lost City of the Monkey God". Another notable figure is Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill Leví, born to a family with both Higuera and Bofill as last names. His distinctive modernist style has earned him recognition worldwide. Lastly, Juan Carlos Higuera Campos, a Mexican politician, served as the Governor of Colima from 2016 to 2021. These are just a few examples of the significant contributions made by individuals bearing the surname Higuera.

Genealogical research on the last name Higuera

The surname Higuera originates from Spain, particularly in the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura. It is derived from the Old Spanish word "higueruelo", which refers to a small fig tree or a place where such trees grow abundantly. The earliest recorded instances of the surname Higuera can be traced back to the 15th century in Spain, with notable bearers appearing in various records such as the Cathedral Archives of Seville and the Archivo General de Simancas. Some prominent members of this family include the Spanish poet Diego Higuera (1632-1708), who is known for his work "El Conde de Ronda", and Francisco Higuera, a notable military officer during the Peninsular War. The surname Higuera spread throughout Spain and its colonies, with significant numbers of bearers found in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines today. Notably, the Higuera family is one of the oldest and most prominent families in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. The name's popularity outside of Spain is attributed to Spanish colonial expansion and migration during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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