What is the origin of the last name Izal?

The surname Izal is of Basque origin. The Basque Country is a region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. Many Basque surnames are unique to this region and have pre-Christian origins, with some tracing back to occupations, geographical locations, or personal characteristics. In the case of Izal, it might be derived from a place name, such as "Izar" or "Iza," which mean 'iron' in Basque. However, the exact origin may vary depending on specific family histories and research.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Izal

The meaning and origin of the last name Izal

The surname Izal is a patronymic name derived from the given name Isaac, which has Hebrew origins. The name Isaac itself means "laughter" or "he will laugh" in Hebrew, and it is traditionally given to children as a sign of joy and happiness following the hardship experienced by their ancestors, such as childlessness. In Spanish-speaking cultures, the surname Izal is often a variant of the name Iza, which itself may have originated as a shortened form of Isaac or other Hebrew names beginning with 'Iz'. As for its geographical distribution, the surname Izal is primarily found in Spain and Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Izal

The surname Izal has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. In Galicia, it is most commonly found in the provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, and Pontevedra. In Asturias, its distribution is concentrated in the eastern part of the region, particularly in the provinces of Asturias and Oviedo. The name also appears with less frequency in other regions of Spain, such as Madrid, Valencia, and Catalonia. Outside of Spain, there are smaller communities of people with the last name Izal in Portugal, Argentina, and Mexico, possibly due to migration over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Izal

The surname Izal can be found with various spelling variations, which may arise due to differences in transcription, translation, and regional dialects over time. Some of these variations include Isal, Izall, Izoll, Izoal, and Isoal. These variations are most likely due to phonetic changes or typographical errors during the recording of genealogical data. In modern usage, however, the standardized spelling remains "Izal." It is essential to note that this name has Basque origins, derived from the place name Izarra, located in Spain.

Famous people with the last name Izal

Notable individuals with the surname Izal include:

1. Juan José Izal (born 1957), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams like Real Sociedad and Valencia CF, among others, during his career from 1975 to 1993.
2. Maria Izal (born 1984), a Spanish actress best known for her roles in TV series such as "Los Serrano" and "Amar es para siempre."
3. Luis Izal (1907-1967), a Spanish painter and engraver who was part of the Generation of '36 art movement, characterized by its political and social engagement. His work is held in various museums and private collections around the world.
4. Mariano Izal (1882-1958), a Chilean lawyer, politician, and statesman who served as President of Chile from 1931 to 1932 during a period of political instability and social unrest in the country.

Genealogical research on the last name Izal

The surname Izal is of Basque origin, one of the oldest and unique ethnic groups in the Northern Spain and Southern France regions. Historically, the Basques are known to have maintained their distinct culture, language, and traditions despite being surrounded by other cultures. The name Izal is believed to originate from a place-name or topographic feature, such as a river, hill, or valley, typical of Basque toponyms. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Izal can be traced back to the 13th century in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. Over time, the name has spread throughout the Basque Country and other parts of Europe due to migration, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. Variations of the name include Izagirre, Izaguirre, and Izaola. Today, the Izal family is dispersed globally with significant populations in Spain, America, and France.

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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