Last Name Lacaba

The surname Lacaba is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from a location named "Lacaba" in the province of Navarra, Spain. Surnames originated as a way to distinguish between individuals who had the same given names. In feudal Spain, many people had only one name, so they were identified by their father's name or the place where they lived. The surname Lacaba is believed to have been adopted by someone from or originating from the town of Lacaba in Navarra.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lacaba

The meaning and origin of the last name Lacaba

The surname Lacaba is of Basque origin, which is one of the ancient languages spoken in the region now divided between Spain and France. The name is believed to be derived from various place names in the Basque Country, such as Lakaba or Laka-Barta, meaning 'flat' or 'open field'. Over time, the surname Lacaba has spread beyond the Basque region due to migration, and today it can be found worldwide among individuals of Basque descent. The name is also spelled in various ways, including Lakaba, Lakabe, and Lacabe, reflecting differences in transliteration and local variation in pronunciation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lacaba

The surname Lacaba is predominantly found in the Philippines, particularly among the Ilocano and Ilonggo ethnic groups. It originates from the Ilocos region in northern Luzon, specifically in provinces like Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. However, it has also spread to other parts of the Philippines as a result of migration, particularly to urban centers such as Manila and Cebu. In addition, there are small populations of Filipino immigrants with the surname Lacaba in various countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and some European countries. It's worth noting that the distribution could be influenced by historical events, such as the Spanish colonization, the Philippine Revolution, and World War II, which led to significant population movements within the country.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lacaba

The surname Lacaba has several variants and spelling versions due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and cultural influences over time. Some of these variations include:

1. Lacaba: This is the most common spelling of the name, originating from the Philippines.
2. LaCaba: This version introduces an extra capital letter in an attempt to conform with English naming conventions.
3. De Lacaba: In Spanish-speaking regions, it's common to include "De" as a prefix meaning "of."
4. Lacabo: A slight misspelling or phonetic variation of the original name.
5. Lakaba: This is a possible spelling based on an alternate pronunciation of the surname.
6. Lacabaw, Lacabado, and Lacabat are less common misspellings or variants that may arise due to transcription errors or regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Lacaba

Notable individuals sharing the surname Lacaba include:

1. Nick Joaquin (also known as N.V.M. Gonzalez), a Filipino novelist and national artist for literature in the Philippines, who was a significant figure in Philippine literature.

2. Lourdes Sereno Lacaba, a Filipina lawyer and former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, known for her strong advocacy for human rights and rule of law.

3. Rolando Tinio Lacaba, a Filipino poet, journalist, and activist who was a key figure in the Philippine cultural renaissance during the Martial Law era.

4. Maria Serena Lacaba-Panganiban, a Filipina scientist and educator, recognized for her contributions to environmental science and education policy in the Philippines.

5. Jose Ma. Lacaba, a Filipino journalist and writer who has been a longtime contributor to several Philippine newspapers and magazines.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as literature, law, journalism, and science, demonstrating the versatility and accomplishments of people bearing the surname Lacaba.

Genealogical research on the last name Lacaba

The surname Lacaba is predominantly found in the Philippines and Spain. In the Philippines, it is believed to have originated from the Spanish Basque region, where numerous Basque families migrated during the Spanish colonization. The name Lacaba translates to "stone wall" in Basque, suggesting an occupational or geographical origin. In Spain, the name is less common but can be traced back to Navarre and La Rioja regions. Notable individuals with this surname include Juan de la Cruz Lacaba, a Filipino journalist and author, and Francisco Lacaba, a Filipino playwright and theater director. Genealogical records in both countries provide valuable insights into the family history and migrations of the Lacaba clan.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lacaba"
• 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

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