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Last Name Irala

What is the origin of the last name Irala?

The surname Irala is primarily found among Basque populations in Spain and France, specifically in the region of Navarra. The name is believed to be derived from various place names within this region, such as Iraura or Irun-berri (meaning "new town" in Basque). However, it's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in Spain until the late Middle Ages, and their origins are often associated with a specific location rather than personal names. The exact origin of the name Irala may vary depending on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Irala

The meaning and origin of the last name Irala

The surname Irala is of Basque origin, a historical region located in the northern parts of Spain and France. It belongs to a group of Basque surnames that are patronymic in nature, meaning they are derived from the father's personal name. In this case, the surname Irala is believed to have originated from the Basque personal name "Ira", which means "lion" or "anger". The addition of the suffix "-la" common in Basque patronymic names indicates that the original bearer was the son of someone named Ira. Over time, as Basques migrated and settled in other regions, the spelling of the surname may have varied, leading to different pronunciations and spellings across the world today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Irala

The surname Irala has its origins in Spain and is predominantly found in the Basque Country and Navarre regions, reflecting its historical roots. However, due to migration over time, variations of the name have also appeared in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. In these countries, Irala may represent individuals or families who emigrated from Spain during various periods of history. Additionally, there are smaller populations of people with the surname Irala in other parts of the world where Spanish-speaking immigrants have settled, such as the United States, Venezuela, and Colombia. Overall, the distribution of the last name Irala reflects historical migration patterns and the global dispersal of Spanish-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Irala

The surname Irala has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time and across regions. Here are some common versions:

1. Irala: This is a simple variation, with the 'i' before the 'r' being replaced by an apostrophe.
2. Oiralá: In some cases, it can be found as a Hispanicized version, where the first letter becomes capitalized and the accent mark is added to the final 'a'.
3. Iralo: A variation where the 'a' at the end of the surname is replaced by an 'o'.
4. Irroala: This could be another spelling due to slight variations in pronunciation or transcription.
5. Yrala: This might occur when a name starts with 'I', and the first letter is dropped, leaving 'rala' as the remaining part of the surname.
6. Erala: A possible alternative spelling where the initial 'I' has been replaced by 'E'.
7. Irallah: This variation may stem from cultural or regional differences in pronunciation leading to a different transcription.
8. Hiralda: An unusual variant that appears to have changed the 'r' sound to 'h' and added an 'd' at the end.
9. Iralas: A plural form, often found when multiple members of a family share the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Irala

Notable individuals with the surname Irala include:

1. Carlos Irala Sandoval (born 1967), a Mexican politician who served as the Governor of Nuevo León from 2015 to 2021.

2. Jorge Irala (born 1943), a Uruguayan singer and songwriter, known for his work in folk music.

3. Juan José Irala (1782–1864), an Argentine naval officer who played a significant role in the War of Independence against Spain.

4. Raúl Irala (born 1950), a Mexican actor and television host, best known for his work on the show "Siempre en Domingo."

5. Rodrigo Irala (born 1982), an Argentine footballer who has played for several clubs in Argentina, Spain, and Portugal.

These individuals have made notable contributions to various fields such as politics, music, military, and sports, reflecting the versatility of those bearing the surname Irala.

Genealogical research on the last name Irala

The surname Irala originates from the Basque region, specifically in northern Spain and southern France. It is derived from various place names containing the element "Ira" or "Iri," which means marshy or humid land in Basque. Some early records show that the name was first documented in the medieval period, with one of the earliest known bearers being Pedro de Irala in 1320, according to a document from the monastery of Leyre in Navarre. The Irala family played significant roles in Basque history and politics throughout the centuries, with members holding titles such as dukes, counts, and knights. During the Spanish colonization of America, the Irala family was also prominent, with Diego de Irala being one of the first conquistadors to explore present-day Uruguay. Today, the surname Irala is found predominantly in the Basque Country but also has a presence in other parts of Spain and throughout the Spanish-speaking world due to migration.

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 : 28 July 2025

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