Last Name Jativa

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jativa

The meaning and origin of the last name Jativa

The surname Jativa is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Xavier, which originated from the Basque town of San Xavier (modern-day Zierbena). The name Xavier is a contraction of its original form, Francis Xavier, which was bestowed upon St. Francis Xavier, a Navarrese Catholic missionary and a key figure in the Roman Catholic Church's mission to propagate Christianity in Asia during the 16th century. Over time, the name Xavier evolved into various forms in different regions, with Jativa being one of them in Spain. The surname Jativa, much like other Spanish patronymic names, indicates a familial connection to someone named Xavier.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jativa

The last name Jativa is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Valencian Community, where it is most concentrated in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. These areas are historically part of the Kingdom of Valencia, which has contributed to the high frequency of this surname in these regions. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Jativa in other parts of Spain, such as Catalonia, Aragon, and Madrid. Beyond Spain, there are also pockets of Jativas in various countries with significant Spanish-speaking communities, including Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia. The origins of the surname can be traced back to medieval Spain, making it a historically rooted name within these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jativa

The surname Jativa can have various spellings and variations due to differences in transliteration, regional pronunciation, and historical changes. Some common versions include:

1. Xátiva (in Valencian) - the original Spanish form, derived from the name of the city Xàtiva in Spain where the family originated.
2. Játova (also spelled Xatóva or Xatova) - another variant that comes from a town near Xàtiva.
3. Xativa (in English) - an Anglicized version of the original Spanish spelling.
4. Cativa, Cativa-Santacruz, and Játova-Santacruz - are compounds formed by adding Santacruz, which is a common surname in Spain. These versions indicate a possible marriage between families with the surnames Jativa/Xátiva and Santacruz.
5. Chativas or Chátaivas - alternative phonetic spellings based on different pronunciation of the name.
6. Játiva or Xatíva (in Spanish) - variations that result from misspellings or typographical errors.

Famous people with the last name Jativa

The Jativa family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Francisco de Javier Játiva y Molina (1829-1893), a Spanish military officer and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Spain from 1874 to 1875 during the First Spanish Republic. In the world of arts, Juan Játiva (1906-1982) was a renowned Spanish actor, known for his work in theater, film, and television. Another significant figure is Amparo Jativa (born 1936), a Mexican actress who has had an extensive career spanning over six decades, working in both film and television. Lastly, Carlos Jáuregui Játiva (1952-1987) was an Argentine activist, journalist, and founder of the LGBTQ+ movement in Argentina, playing a crucial role in the fight for sexual diversity rights in his country.

Genealogical research on the last name Jativa

The surname Jativa originates from Spain and is believed to have roots in the Valencian region. It is derived from the place name Xativa, located in the province of Valencia. The town's name has Arabic origins, possibly meaning "oaks" or "cypresses."

The Jativa family lineage can be traced back to the Middle Ages. One notable member was Juan de Játiva, a 16th-century Spanish Franciscan missionary who worked extensively in New Spain (Mexico). His writings on indigenous languages and cultures are still studied today.

In modern times, the distribution of the Jativa surname is not limited to Spain but can also be found among Spanish-speaking communities in countries like Mexico, the United States, and other parts of Latin America due to migration. The variation in spellings such as Xativá, Játiva, or Chativía may arise from transcription errors over time.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jativa"
• 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 : 28 July 2025