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Last Name Iturriza

What is the origin of the last name Iturriza?

The last name Iturriza is of Basque origin, specifically from the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is derived from the Basque words "iturri" meaning "water" and "iza" meaning "abundance" or "abundant." This last name likely originated as a topographic or locational surname for someone who lived near a water source or a place with abundant water.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Iturriza

The meaning and origin of the last name Iturriza

The surname Iturriza is of Basque origin, primarily found in the Basque Country in northern Spain. It is derived from the Basque words "iturri" meaning fountain or spring, and the suffix "-iza" denoting location or origin. Therefore, the surname Iturriza likely originated as a topographic or locational surname for someone who lived near a fountain or spring. The Basque Country has a long history and rich culture, with many surnames having ancient origins. The Iturriza surname may have been passed down through generations, indicating a family's connection to a specific area or property with a fountain. Today, individuals with the surname Iturriza can be found not only in Spain but also in various parts of the world where Basque immigrants settled and established their families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iturriza

The last name Iturriza is primarily found in the Basque region of Spain and France, with a concentration in the provinces of Biscay and Gipuzkoa. It is also present in smaller numbers in other regions of Spain, such as Navarre and Cantabria. Outside of Spain, the surname can also be found in countries with historical ties to the Basque region, such as France and Argentina. In the United States, there are a small number of individuals with the last name Iturriza, primarily in states with significant Basque communities like California and Nevada. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Iturriza reflects its origins in the Basque Country and the migration patterns of Basque people throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iturriza

The last name Iturriza has several variations and spellings. Some of the common variations include Iturriaga, Iturrieta, and Iturralde. These variations may be the result of different regional accents or dialects that have influenced the pronunciation and spelling of the surname over time. Additionally, Iturriza may also be spelled as Iturrizaga, Iturriysa, and Iturritza, among others. The variations in spelling could be attributed to errors in documentation or transliteration when the surname was recorded in official records. Despite the various spellings and variations, all of these names ultimately trace back to the same Basque origin, indicating a shared ancestry and cultural background among individuals with the surname Iturriza and its variations.

Famous people with the last name Iturriza

There are not many famous people with the last name Iturriza, but one notable figure is Luis Iturriza, a Venezuelan politician and former Minister of Communes and Social Movements. He is known for his contributions to the development of community-based initiatives and grassroots movements in Venezuela. Another prominent individual with the last name Iturriza is Maria Eugenia Iturriza, a contemporary visual artist from Argentina known for her unique and vibrant paintings that often explore themes of nature and mythology. Despite the limited number of well-known figures with this surname, the Iturriza family has made contributions to various fields such as politics, art, and social activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Iturriza

The last name Iturriza is of Basque origin, derived from the place name Iturritza meaning "place of the fountain". It is believed to have originated in the Basque Country in northern Spain, specifically in the province of Vizcaya. The surname Iturriza can be traced back to the medieval period, with records showing its presence in the region as early as the 15th century. Throughout history, the Iturriza family spread to other parts of Spain and even to other countries, such as Argentina and Venezuela, through migration and colonization. Today, individuals with the surname Iturriza can still be found in various regions, maintaining their Basque heritage and connections to their ancestral homeland. Genealogical research on the Iturriza name is ongoing, uncovering new branches of the family tree and connections to other surnames in the region.

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 April 2025

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