What is the origin of the last name Laguna?

The surname Laguna has origins that can be traced back to various European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal. It is derived from a place name and originally referred to someone who lived near a lake or lagoon. In Spanish, "lago" means lake, and "lagoona" (or "laguna") refers specifically to a shallow, saltwater lagoon. The surname Laguna may have been used as a topographic surname, meaning it was given to someone who lived near a lake or lagoon, or it could have been a habitational name for someone who lived in a place named Laguna. In Portuguese, "lagoa" means lagoon or lake, and the surname Lagoa or Laguna may also have originated as a topographic or habitational surname in that country. The surname has also been found in other European countries, such as France and Italy, suggesting that it may have spread from its original location through migration and settlement over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Laguna

The meaning and origin of the last name Laguna

The surname Laguna is of Spanish origin, derived from the geographical location of the same name. "Laguna" translates to 'lagoon' or 'small lake' in English. Originating in Spain, it was often given as a topographic name for someone who lived near a body of water with these characteristics. The surname later spread to other countries due to Spanish colonization and migration. In the Philippines, Laguna is also the name of a province, which has led to a higher concentration of individuals bearing this surname within the country. Over time, the surname Laguna has been adopted globally by descendants of Spanish origin or those who have resided in places significantly influenced by Spanish culture and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Laguna

The surname Laguna is predominantly distributed across several Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and its territories such as the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. It also has a significant presence in Latin America, with high concentrations in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, and Argentina. In these regions, the name Laguna often originates from Spanish colonization, as it translates to "lagoon" or "pond" in English. Additionally, variations of the name, such as Lagoona, can also be found among individuals with Portuguese and Italian ancestry. Outside of these regions, there are pockets of individuals bearing the Laguna surname in countries like the United States, where it is likely a result of immigration from Spain or Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Laguna

The surname Laguna has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include:

* de Laguna (often used as a prefix in Spanish-speaking countries)
* del Laguno
* DiLaguna
* De L'Aguana
* De La Guana
* De La Guna
* Delaguna
* DelaGuna
* Delaguana
* Del Aqua (Italian translation, meaning "of the lake")
* Del'Acqua
* del Agua
* Lagunna
* Lagone
* Laguña
* La Guaná (Cuban variation)
* La Guana (Cuban variation)
* La Guna (Cuban variation)

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, translation errors, or phonetic transcription of the surname from one language to another. Regardless of the specific spelling, all variants of Laguna share a common origin and are related to each other.

Famous people with the last name Laguna

Notable individuals with the surname Laguna include:

1. Raul Julia-Levi (b. 1940), a Puerto Rican actor best known for his roles in films such as "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "The Addams Family."
2. Carmen Laguna (b. 1967), a Spanish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s and has released several albums, including "Canciones de Amor y Una Más" and "El Tiempo no Regresa."
3. Carlos Félix Laguna (b. 1956), a Mexican composer and pianist who has won numerous awards for his classical music compositions.
4. James Laguna (1928-2013), an American artist known for his work in ceramics, printmaking, and drawing, particularly his depictions of Native American culture.
5. Ricky Laguna (b. 1967), a Filipino actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series in the Philippines, including "Labs Kong Hoodlum" and "Ang Panday."

Genealogical research on the last name Laguna

The surname Laguna is of Spanish origin and is believed to have been derived from various places named "Laguna" throughout Spain, such as in the regions of Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Galicia. The name is thought to be associated with bodies of water, as "laguna" translates to "lagoon" or "lake" in English.

In the New World, the surname Laguna is commonly found in Latin America due to Spanish colonization. Notable individuals with this surname include Don Juan de Onate, a Spanish conquistador who established the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1609 and was a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe. Another notable individual is Carlos Fuentes, a Mexican writer whose works often explored themes of Mexican history and identity.

In the Philippines, the surname Laguna is also common, with many individuals tracing their roots back to the Laguna de Bay region. The province of Laguna in the Philippines bears the name of this body of water, which is the country's largest freshwater lake.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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