Last Name Jurado

The surname Jurado has multiple possible origins, as it is a common Spanish and Portuguese last name. In Spain, it could be derived from various places with the same name, such as Jurado in Cantabria, La Rioja, and Aragon. In Portugal, it might originate from the municipality of Juromenha. It's also sometimes associated with Jewish backgrounds due to the Hebrew name Yehuda (Judah), but this association is not universally accepted. As with many surnames, its exact origin can often be traced back to specific geographical locations or historical figures in a particular region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jurado

The meaning and origin of the last name Jurado

The surname Jurado is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "jurado," which means "sworn one" or "witness." It was originally used to designate individuals who served as witnesses or jurors during legal proceedings in medieval Spain. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname for families with such occupational backgrounds. The name is prevalent among Spanish speakers, particularly in countries with significant Spanish influence, such as Mexico, Cuba, and other Latin American nations. In modern usage, Jurado can be found as both a surname and a given name, often translated as "judge" or "sworn one" in English.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jurado

The last name Jurado is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origins from the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, it's most common in regions like Castile and León, Andalusia, and Extremadura, reflecting historical migration patterns. In Portugal, it appears less frequently but still exists. Outside Europe, a significant number of people with the last name Jurado reside in Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico, due to the Spanish colonization and subsequent immigration. The United States also has a large Jurado population, especially in states with a high Hispanic demographic, such as Texas, California, Florida, and New Mexico, reflecting immigration from Latin America. Additionally, there are smaller communities of people with the last name Jurado in other parts of the world, including Canada, Australia, and some countries in Africa and Asia, as a result of global migration over the past few centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jurado

The surname Jurado has various spelling variations due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and transcription errors over time. Some common versions include:

1. Jurado: This is the original Spanish form of the name, which means "judge" or "magistrate."
2. Jurado: A less common variant of the name.
3. Jurat: An old English form that may have originated from the same root as Jurado.
4. Jordao: A Portuguese variation of the name.
5. Juro: A possible shorter version or misspelling of Jurado.
6. Giurado: An Italian adaptation of the name, which also means "judge."
7. Geurato: A rare variant that might have resulted from errors in transliteration or transcription.
8. Juratta: A creative feminine variation of the surname.
9. Juryado: A playful phonetic adaptation of the name, although this spelling is not commonly used.
10. Jiurado: A variant with a different capitalization pattern that still retains the original pronunciation and meaning.

Famous people with the last name Jurado

Notable individuals sharing the surname Jurado include:

1. Jorge Jurado (born 1983), a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Real Sociedad.
2. Chavela Vargas (1919-2012), a Costa Rican singer and ranchera musician, often referred to as "La Cabaret de Mexico."
3. Javier Jurado (born 1964), a Spanish composer and conductor known for his work in film and television.
4. Lena Horne (1917-2010), an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist, whose birth name was Lena Cohen but later adopted the surname Jurado through marriage.
5. Carlos Jurado (born 1983), a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Deportes Quindio.
6. Juan José Jurado (born 1964), a Spanish actor known for his roles in films such as "Yo, el supremo" and "El laberinto del fauno."
7. Maria Jurado (1923-2008), a Mexican film actress who starred in over 60 films during her career.
8. Juan Luis Jurado (born 1956), a Spanish historian and politician, serving as Minister of Education, Culture, and Sport between 2004 and 2008.

Genealogical research on the last name Jurado

The surname Jurado has roots in Spain, specifically from the region of Galicia and the Castile and León communities. Its etymology is believed to stem from the medieval Latin "juratum" or "juratus," meaning "sworn one." This surname was often given to those who took an oath or were witnesses in legal matters during the Middle Ages. The Jurado family migrated from Spain to South America, particularly to Mexico and other Spanish colonies in the New World during the 16th century. Subsequently, branches of the Jurado family can be traced across Latin America, with significant populations found in Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Peru today. The surname has also been brought to the United States by immigrants from these countries, making it a common name among Hispanic communities in the U.S.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jurado"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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