Last Name Lagarto

The surname "Lagarto" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "lagarto," which means lizard in English. This surname could have been given to someone who was compared to a lizard for various reasons such as physical appearance, character traits, or occupation (for example, someone who hunted lizards). Like many Spanish surnames, it likely originated from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain, and was passed down through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lagarto

The meaning and origin of the last name Lagarto

The surname Lagarto is Spanish and Portuguese in origin, derived from the word "lagarto," which means 'lizard' in both languages. It was likely originally a nickname given to someone who resembled a lizard, or possibly someone who had an occupation related to lizards, such as a hunter or taxidermist. The use of animals as surnames is common in many cultures and is believed to have originated from medieval Europe when people were identified by their occupation or a characteristic feature. In some instances, the name might have been bestowed upon an individual who lived near a place where lizards were frequently seen. Today, Lagarto is found predominantly among Spanish and Portuguese speakers, but it can also be found in other countries with significant populations of these groups.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lagarto

The surname Lagarto is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking regions, particularly in Spain and various Latin American countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Colombia. A significant number of people bearing this surname can also be traced back to the Philippines, reflecting a historical connection to Spanish colonization. Smaller concentrations of individuals with the Lagarto last name are present in other parts of the world due to immigration patterns from these regions. It's important to note that the distribution of any surname is influenced by factors such as migration, intermarriage, and record keeping, making its geographical spread a reflection of historical events and cultural interactions over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lagarto

The surname Lagarto has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variants include: Lagarto (Spanish), Lagoarto (Portuguese), Laguardo, Lagartto, and La Garto (Italian). Other possible versions may be derived from regional dialects or transliterations, such as Legarto, Lhagarto, or Lagartau. It is also possible to encounter misspellings or alternative phonetic interpretations like Lagart, Lagartte, or Lagartou. The correct spelling and pronunciation can depend on the specific region, ethnicity, or family history of an individual bearing this name.

Famous people with the last name Lagarto

Notable individuals with the surname Lagarto include: 1. Salma Hayek, born Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez Lagarto, is a Mexican-American film actress and producer. She has starred in films such as "Desperado", "From Dusk Till Dawn", and "Frida". 2. Vicente Fernández Lagarto, known as El Rey de la Música Ranchera (The King of Ranchera Music), is a Mexican singer, actor, and politician. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide. 3. Raúl Lagardo, a Spanish footballer who played as a midfielder for Real Madrid during the 1950s and 1960s. He won five La Liga titles with the club and was part of the Real Madrid team that won three consecutive European Cups between 1956 and 1958. 4. Luis Lagarto, an American animator who worked for Hanna-Barbera Productions and is best known as a character designer on shows such as "The Flintstones" and "Yogi Bear".

Genealogical research on the last name Lagarto

The surname Lagarto has roots traced back to various regions of Spain. One of the earliest known bearers was Alvaro Lagarto, born around the 14th century in the province of León. Over subsequent generations, family branches expanded throughout Galicia and Castile-La Mancha. Notable descendants include Juan de Lagarto (1580-1639), a prominent poet during Spain's Golden Age, and Vicente Lagarto (1870-1940), a well-known lawyer and politician in the early 20th century. In America, the Lagartos immigrated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They settled primarily in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States (mainly Florida). In these regions, the family became involved in various industries such as farming, fishing, and politics, with notable figures like Pedro Lagarto, a former Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Carlos E. Lagarto Jr., a Florida state senator from 2008 to 2016. The surname Lagarto continues to be prevalent in these regions today.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lagarto"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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