The surname Izquierdo is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Latin word "dexter" which means right. In medieval Spain, when feudal lords distributed land among their vassals, they would often designate parcels using terms related to directionality for easier identification. The term Izquierdo was used for lands on the left side of a main road or river. Over time, this place name became a hereditary surname. In Spanish, "Izquierdo" means "left-handed," but it should be noted that this is a modern interpretation and not necessarily reflective of its original meaning.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Izquierdo
The meaning and origin of the last name Izquierdo
The surname Izquierdo is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "dextro" or "sinistro," which means right or left, respectively. In medieval Spain, land and property were often distributed between two brothers, with one receiving the land to his right (derecho) and the other to his left (izquierdo). Over time, these terms evolved into surnames, with Izquierdo being the equivalent of the English surname Left or Lew(e) in Old French. The surname is popular among individuals of Spanish descent, particularly those from the regions of Andalusia and Extremadura.
Geographical distribution of the last name Izquierdo
The surname Izquierdo is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and some Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Cuba. Its origin is from the Basque language, where "izquierda" means left, possibly referring to a person living on the left side of a village or town. The name has spread worldwide due to migration patterns, with significant populations also found in the United States, Venezuela, and Equatorial Guinea, among other countries, reflecting the historical ties between these regions and Spain.
Variants and spellings of the last name Izquierdo
The surname Izquierdo has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transliteration from Spanish into other languages. In English, it may be spelled as Izquieto, Izquiarto, Izquiordo, or Izquierry, although these are less common. Additionally, there are regional differences in the way names are pronounced and written over time, leading to variations such as Iscierto, Iskierdo, Isquierto, or Izqiuero. The name also has a few alternative transliterations in other languages, like Izquierda (Catalan), Izquierdo (Portuguese), and Izquieta (Galician). It is important to note that these variations may lead to some confusion when dealing with records from different regions or time periods.
Famous people with the last name Izquierdo
Notable individuals bearing the surname Izquierdo include:
1. Juan Mata, a professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Manchester United and the Spain national team. He has won multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Europa League during his career.
2. Pablo Izquierdo, also known as Pablito, a Spanish flamenco singer (cantaor) from Jerez de la Frontera, who is recognized for his strong, emotional voice and dynamic stage presence.
3. Alejandro Izquierdo, a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Premier League club Everton and the Colombia national team. He has represented his country in both the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America.
4. Carlos Izquierdo, a former professional footballer from Spain who played as a forward during his career. He is best known for his time with Real Madrid Castilla and the Spanish national team.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, namely sports and music, and have gained international recognition due to their exceptional talents.
Genealogical research on the last name Izquierdo
The surname Izquierdo originates from Spain and is derived from the Old Castilian word "izquierda," meaning left. Historically, it was a toponymic name given to someone who lived near a location associated with the word's meaning, such as a left turn or a bend in a river. The surname Izquierdo is most commonly found in Spain, especially in the regions of Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, and Galicia. It has also been brought to other countries through immigration, particularly to Latin America and the United States. Notable individuals with the last name Izquierdo include Spanish tennis player David Ferrer and Colombian footballer James Rodriguez.
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Izquierdo originates from the Basque Country in Spain, derived from the word "izquierd...
