Last Name Jaca

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jaca

The meaning and origin of the last name Jaca

The surname Jaca is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Jacobo or its shortened form Jaime, both of which are variants of the biblical name Jacob. The name Jacob means "supplanter" in Hebrew. The surname Jaca emerged during the Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals with fathers named Jacobo or Jaime. Over time, it became a hereditary name passed down through generations in Spain. The spelling variations of this name include Xaca, Zaca, and Jazaca, reflecting the phonetic changes that occur when names are transcribed and translated over centuries. Today, the surname Jaca is most commonly found in Spain but can also be found among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jaca

The last name Jaca is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and Navarra regions, due to its historical roots in these areas. Its presence in other parts of the world can be attributed to migration from Spain. In the Americas, Jaca is commonly found in countries with significant Spanish populations, such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States. It is also present in Argentina, Chile, and Peru due to migration during the Spanish colonial era. In Europe outside of Spain, Jaca can be found in France, Italy, and Portugal. In some cases, the name may have been anglicized or altered slightly when migrants moved to English-speaking countries such as England, Ireland, Canada, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jaca

The surname Jaca has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some of the most common variations include:

1. Jaca - the original Spanish spelling of the name, which is most commonly found in Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.
2. Iacca - an Italian variation of the surname.
3. Jacca-Thompson - a combination of Jaca and Thompson, potentially created as a result of intermarriage between families with different last names.
4. Jacah - a possible misspelling or abbreviation of the surname.
5. Yacca - an Australian Aboriginal word that is unrelated to the surname Jaca but may have been adopted by people with the name as a nickname or alias.
6. Iacka, Jakka, Yakka - potential phonetic variations or misspellings of the surname.
7. de Jaca, del Jaca, y de Jaca - Spanish suffixes that may be added to some surnames, depending on region and family tradition. These suffixes are not always included when a surname is written in English.

Famous people with the last name Jaca

The last name Jaca is notable for hosting several distinguished individuals across various fields. One of the most renowned figures is Juan Antonio Samaranch y Jaca, a Spanish politician and sports administrator who served as President of the International Olympic Committee from 1980 to 2001. His tenure was marked by significant growth in the Olympic Movement. Another notable figure is Ignacio Jaca, a Mexican politician who served as Secretary of Energy under President Enrique Peña Nieto. In the realm of arts, José Guadalupe Jaca, a Mexican composer and musician, has gained recognition for his contributions to classical music. Lastly, Ana Paula Jaca, a Brazilian actress, is recognized for her work in both television and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Jaca

The surname Jaca is believed to have originated from the Basque region in Spain, specifically Navarre and the surrounding provinces. It is one of the numerous Basque surnames that do not follow typical Spanish naming patterns. Some theories suggest that the name might be derived from the place names Jaca or Sangüesa, both located in Navarra. The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the 13th century, with the first known bearer being Lope Martinez de Jaka in 1256. The Jacas are traditionally shepherds and farmers, reflecting the rural nature of their homeland. Today, individuals bearing the surname Jaca can be found across Spain as well as in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration during historical periods such as the Spanish colonial era.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jaca"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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.
Last updated : 24 July 2025