The surname Larrazabal has its roots in the Basque region, a historical and cultural area that spans parts of modern-day Spain and France. Many Basque surnames are patrimonial names, which were originally occupational or descriptive names rather than family names as we understand them today.
The name Larrazabal is derived from the toponymic element "Larratzabal" meaning "place of the larch trees" in the Basque language. It's possible that the original bearer of this surname lived near a grove or prominent larch tree, and the name was subsequently passed down through generations.
It's also worth noting that during the Middle Ages, many Basques migrated from their homeland to other parts of Europe and South America, bringing their unique surnames with them. The spread of the Larrazabal surname can be attributed to these migrations.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Larrazabal
The meaning and origin of the last name Larrazabal
The surname Larrazabal is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Lazarus, which has its roots in Hebrew and Aramaic. In these languages, the name means "God helps." The name Lazarus gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to the biblical figure of Lazarus of Bethany. Over time, Spanish-speaking individuals bearing the given name Lazarus developed surnames from it, including Larrazabal.
The specific origin of the surname Larrazabal is not entirely clear, but it likely arose in medieval Spain. It may have been created by adding the diminutive suffix "-abal" to the base name "Lazar." Alternatively, it could be derived from place names in Spain containing the word Lazaro, such as Lazaro de la Vegas or Lazaro de Valdez. The Larrazabal surname is currently most prevalent in Spain and Latin America.
Geographical distribution of the last name Larrazabal
The surname Larrazabal is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and Navarra regions. This name is also present in other parts of Spain but with lesser frequency. Beyond Spain, significant populations bearing the Larrazabal surname can be found in Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to historical migration from Spain during colonial times. Smaller numbers of individuals with this last name can also be traced in the United States, primarily among descendants of Spanish immigrants.
Variants and spellings of the last name Larrazabal
The surname Larrazabal has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some common variants include Larraza Bal, de Larraza Bal, del Larraza Bal, Larraza Ball, del Larraza Ball, Larazabal de, Larraza de, and Larrazabal y. Additionally, the name may be hyphenated or combined with other surnames in some instances, such as Larrazabal-Moreno or Larrazabal-Gonzalez. It is important to note that these variations can occur due to factors like regional dialects, personal preference, or errors in record keeping over the centuries.
Famous people with the last name Larrazabal
Notable individuals bearing the surname Larrazabal include:
1. Jose Maria Olazabal, a professional golfer from Spain who has won two Majors and multiple European Tour events, as well as representing Europe in numerous Ryder Cup competitions.
2. Miguel Angel Jimenez, another Spanish professional golfer known for his distinctive long hair and relaxed demeanor, who has also enjoyed a successful career on the European and PGA Tours.
3. Juan Larrazabal, a Colombian politician and economist who served as the Minister of Finance and Public Credit during the administration of President Ivan Duque from 2018 to 2022.
4. David Larrazabal, a Spanish footballer who played professionally in Spain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia as a goalkeeper for various clubs.
5. Lorena Larrazabal, a professional golfer from Mexico who has competed on the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour, with multiple victories to her name.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, both in sports and politics, and continue to be celebrated for their achievements.
Genealogical research on the last name Larrazabal
The surname Larrazabal originates from the Basque region in Spain. It is derived from the place-name Larrazábal, which can be found in the province of Álava. The name is composed of two elements: "larra" meaning "rocky" or "rough", and "zabal" referring to a river or stream. The Larrazabals are among the many Basque families who emigrated during the Middle Ages, spreading their lineage across various regions of Spain, South America, and the Philippines. Notable figures with this surname include Spanish painter Francisco de Larra, Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Jose P. Laurel, and Mexican footballer Héctor Ignacio Larrazábal.
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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