Last Name Ibars

The last name Ibars is of Basque origin, a historical region and cultural area located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. The Basque people have their own distinct language, Euskera, which predates other languages in Western Europe. Many Basque surnames are believed to originate from occupations, place names, or patronymics (surnames based on the father's name). However, the exact origin of the surname Ibars is not definitively known, and it may vary depending on specific family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ibars

The meaning and origin of the last name Ibars

The surname Ibars is of Basque origin, derived from a place name or a personal name within the Basque region, located in northern Spain and southwestern France. In this context, the name could be a locative surname, indicating a person who was originally from a place named Ibar (a common place name in the Basque Country), or a habitational surname, denoting someone who lived near such a location. It's also possible that the name could have originated as a patronymic or matronymic, where it was used to denote the son or daughter of a person named Ibar. The Basque names often do not follow the typical European naming conventions and can be challenging to trace their exact origins due to the lack of consistent documentation prior to modern times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ibars

The last name Ibars is primarily concentrated in Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Galicia and parts of Castile and León. Historically, the surname originated from the town of Ibarra in the province of Burgos, where it is believed to have been first used. Over time, however, many bearers of the name migrated to other regions within Spain, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Emigration also played a significant role in the dispersal of Ibars outside of Spain. Small communities of Ibars can be found in various parts of South America, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela, as well as in Mexico and the United States, primarily due to the Spanish colonization and subsequent migration waves during the 16th to 20th centuries. In recent years, some members of the Ibars family have also migrated to other countries such as Australia, Canada, and France.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ibars

The surname Ibars has several variations and spellings due to different transliteration methods and regional dialects. Some common variations include:

* Ybars
* Hibar
* Ibarz
* Iborra
* Ibárcena
* Ibárruri
* Ibarrola
* Ibarra
* Ibare
* Ibarre
* Ibarzo
* Ibarrajo
* Ibarrondo
* Ibarrola
* Ibarzabal
* Yibar
* Hibert
* Ibardin
* Ibarrola

These variations can originate from different countries, including Spain, where the surname is most common, as well as other Spanish-speaking regions such as Argentina, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. It is derived from a place name or toponym, likely referring to a settlement near a river or stream, though the exact origin of the name is not definitively known.

Famous people with the last name Ibars

The Ibars surname is known for having produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned individuals is Luis de Ibarra (1738-1816), a Mexican architect and sculptor who contributed significantly to the Baroque style in Mexico during the late 18th century. His works include the facade of the Cathedral Metropolitana in Mexico City and the altar of San Felipe Neri church, both considered masterpieces of Mexican colonial architecture.

In the field of sports, Iker Ibarra (born 1974) is a prominent figure. He is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a left-back, best known for his successful career with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, where he won numerous titles including three FIFA World Cups and two European Championships.

In the world of literature, Fernando Ibarra (1940-2008) was an Argentine novelist and short story writer whose works dealt with social issues and human rights in his native country. His most famous novel, "El mar no cesa" ("The Sea Doesn't Stop"), was awarded the prestigious Rómulo Gallegos Prize in 1976.

Genealogical research on the last name Ibars

The surname Ibars is of Basque origin and is primarily found in the northern Spanish provinces of Vizcaya and Navarra, as well as the neighboring Basque Country in France. Originating from the village of Ibarranguelua in Vizcaya, it is one of numerous Basque surnames derived from place names, indicating a connection to specific geographical locations. Notable individuals with this last name include Spanish writer and philosopher Jose Maria de Ibarrondo y Goicoechea, who was a member of the Real Academia Española, and Andoni Ibarretxe, a former President of the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain. The surname can also be found in other parts of Spain as well as South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, due to migrations over the centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ibars"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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