What is the origin of the last name Ithurburu?

The surname Ithurberri or Ithurburu is Basque in origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically a hamlet named Ithurberri (meaning "new village") located in the town of Zumaia in the Gipuzkoa province in the Basque Country, northern Spain. The surname is often spelled with various variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Ithurburu

The meaning and origin of the last name Ithurburu

The Basque surname Ithurburu originates from the ancient Basque region, which is located in the northern part of modern-day Spain and France. The name is composed of two elements: "itur" meaning place or estate, and "buru," which means fortress or tower. Thus, Ithurburu can be interpreted as "from the fortified estate."

The earliest known record of this surname dates back to the 13th century when it appeared in the form "Iturberri" in the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe church records. Over time, the spelling evolved into the modern-day Ithurburu as a result of phonetic changes and regional variations in pronunciation. Today, Ithurburu is a relatively common Basque surname, found primarily among the descendants of the region's original inhabitants.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ithurburu

The surname Ithurburu is primarily concentrated in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the provinces of Gipuzkoa, Navarra, and Biscay, reflecting the historical distribution of the Basque population. Within Gipuzkoa, the town of Zumarraga has one of the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this surname. In France, it is found predominantly in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, particularly in the coastal towns of Biarritz and Hendaye. The name Ithurburu also appears sporadically in other parts of Spain, but its prevalence significantly diminishes outside the Basque Country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ithurburu

The surname Ithurburu has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Iturriburu, Iturriberri, Iturribera, Iturriburu, Iturripide, Iturririaga, and Iturrieta. These variations originate from the Basque region of Spain and France, where the name is most prevalent. The name likely comes from the toponymic place name Iturri-buru, meaning "new settlement in the river valley." In English transliteration, it can also appear as Yturriburu, Ituriburu, and Iturburu.

Famous people with the last name Ithurburu

Notable individuals bearing the surname Ithurbeuru include:

1. **Juan Antonio Ithurbe**, a Spanish philosopher and professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, known for his contributions to philosophy of science and epistemology.
2. **Carlos Ithurbe**, a Mexican architect who has designed several notable buildings in Mexico City, such as the Torre Norte del World Trade Center and the Edificio Reforma 180.
3. **Xabier Ikaza Ithurbe**, a Basque politician from Spain, serving as a member of the Basque Parliament since 2016.
4. **María Teresa Ithurbe**, a Mexican actress who has appeared in various television series and films, including "La Candidata" and "Por siempre Joan Sebastian."
5. **José Luis Ithurbe**, a Spanish economist and professor at the University of the Basque Country, known for his research on economic development and regional economics.

Genealogical research on the last name Ithurburu

The Ithurburu surname is of Basque origin, originating from the region of Guipúzcoa in Spain. One of the earliest known references to this name can be traced back to the 13th century, specifically to Juan Sanchez Ithurburu, who was a witness in a document dated 1258. Throughout history, various branches and variations of the Ithurburu surname have emerged, such as Iturriberri, Iturbide, and Ithurbe.

Notable figures bearing the Ithurburu name include Francisco Javier de Elío y Ithurrialde, a Spanish military officer who served during the Peninsular War against Napoleon Bonaparte, and José María Iglesias Ithurralde, a Basque nationalist politician and writer.

The Ithurburu surname is most common in the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya in Spain, as well as in parts of the Basque diaspora such as Mexico, Argentina, and the United States. Genealogical research into this name often involves tracing its origins to specific towns or regions within the Basque Country due to the strong regional identification associated with the surname.

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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