Last Name Lagarda

The surname Lagarda is of Basque origin. It is derived from the word "laga" which means stone, and "artza" which means oak tree. In Basque culture, place names are often composed of two elements that describe the physical features of the location. Therefore, Lagarda may have originally referred to a specific location marked by a stone near an oak tree. However, it's important to note that surnames did not become widespread in the Basque Country until the late Middle Ages, and many surnames were created as a way to identify individuals within a community. The specific origins of individual families with the Lagarda name may vary depending on their geographical location and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lagarda

The meaning and origin of the last name Lagarda

The surname Lagarda is of Basque origin, which refers to the ancient people inhabiting parts of northern Spain and southern France. The name is derived from the Basque word "lagar" meaning 'mill' or 'grinding place'. It may have been given as a topographic name for someone who lived near a mill, or it could have been an occupational name for someone who worked at a mill.

The use of Lagarda as a surname is not limited to the Basque region; it can be found in other parts of Spain and even among the Basque diaspora in other countries like Mexico, Argentina, and the United States. Its distribution outside of the Basque homeland reflects the historical migrations of Basque people throughout Europe over the centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lagarda

The surname Lagarda is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and Navarre regions, due to its historical origin from the town of Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, Spain. Over time, the surname has also been distributed through immigration and emigration, with significant populations in various parts of Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Outside Spain, Lagarda is notably present in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela, as a result of Spanish colonization and migration. In addition, there are small communities of people with the Lagarda surname in the United States, primarily in California, Texas, and Florida, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Spain to the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lagarda

The surname Lagarda has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling variants include: Lagarde, Lagart, Lagarta, Lagardo, Lagardus, and Lagarto. These variations may originate from regional dialects, transcription errors, or family preferences over time. It is also possible to find instances of this name being transliterated into other languages, leading to further modifications such as Lagarda becoming Lagerda in some Slavic languages. Ultimately, it is important to note that all these variants likely originate from the original French surname Lagarde, which is derived from a location named Lagarde or a person associated with that place.

Famous people with the last name Lagarda

Notable individuals sharing the surname Lagarda include:

1. Juan de la Cierva Lagarda (1839-1906), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of State, Minister of War, and Minister of Marine during various periods under King Alfonso XII and King Alfonso XIII.
2. Francisco Lagarda (1857-1943), a Spanish lawyer, professor, and politician who served as the acting Prime Minister of Spain in 1906. He also held positions such as Minister of Justice and Minister of Public Works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
3. Ana Lagarda (born 1968), a Mexican actress known for her work in telenovelas such as "Amor Real" (1999) and "Mujer, casos de la vida real" (2005-present).
4. Antonio Lagarda (born 1973), a Spanish football goalkeeper who played for teams like Real Zaragoza and Athletic Bilbao during his career from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
5. Mireia Lagarda (born 1986), a Spanish alpine skier who competed in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014, and won several medals at the World Junior Championships and European Youth Olympic Festivals.

Genealogical research on the last name Lagarda

The surname Lagarda originates from the Basque region, specifically in the Spanish provinces of Navarre and the Basque Country. It is derived from the place names Lagarde, Lagardeta, or Lagardia, which are found throughout these regions. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing the existence of a family named de Lagarda in the 13th century. This noble family played significant roles in the politics and military affairs of Navarre during the medieval period. The surname spread beyond the Basque region due to migrations, colonization, and military expeditions. Variations of the name, such as Laguarda or de Lagarde, can be found throughout Spain and South America, particularly in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico, as a result of Spanish colonization.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lagarda"
• 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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