What is the origin of the last name Legaspi?

The surname Legaspi is of Spanish origin and is derived from a place name. It is likely that it comes from the town of Las Peñas de Riaño, which is located in the province of León, Spain. The name means "rocky cliffs" or "steep cliffs." The surname was brought to the Philippines by Spanish conquistadors and colonizers during the 16th century. It is a common surname among Filipinos with Spanish ancestry. Some notable people with the surname Legaspi include Ramon Magsaysay, who was the President of the Philippines from 1957 to 1959, and Emilio Aguinaldo, who was the first president of the Philippines, serving from 1899 to 1901.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Legaspi

The meaning and origin of the last name Legaspi

The surname Legaspi is of Spanish origin, derived from the place name Legazpi, located in the Basque region of Spain. The name was initially a geographical reference, likely referring to a specific estate or landholding. Over time, this place name was adopted as a family name by settlers and migrants who hailed from the area. In the Philippines, the surname Legaspi is notably significant due to Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Manila in 1571, thereby establishing Spanish rule over the archipelago. The name became widely distributed and prominent among the Filipino population due to the influence of its most famous bearer.

Geographical distribution of the last name Legaspi

The last name Legaspi is predominantly found in the Philippines, reflecting its origins as a Spanish surname. In the Philippines, it is most common in regions that were heavily influenced by Spanish colonization, particularly Luzon Island and specifically in the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Rizal, and Laguna. The name is also present in other parts of Asia due to historical migration, with significant numbers found in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. In the United States, a large Filipino-American community resides, making Legaspi one of the more common Filipino surnames within this population.

Variants and spellings of the last name Legaspi

The surname Legaspi can have various spellings and variations due to differences in spelling conventions over time and geographical locations. Some common variants include:

* Legaspi
* Legaspii
* Legaspy
* Legassi
* LeGaspi
* De Legaspi
* Delgado-Legaspi (a combination of two surnames, which is common in the Philippines)

These variations may also be found with different capitalizations and without diacritical marks. The name is of Spanish origin, and it is most commonly associated with individuals from the Philippines, particularly those of Spanish or mestizo descent.

Famous people with the last name Legaspi

Notable individuals with the surname Legaspi include:

1. Jose Legaspi (1917-2006), a Filipino poet and short story writer, known for his works such as "The Exotic Dancer" and "Trip to La Luna".

2. Juan de Legaspi (1542-1572), the first Governor-General of the Philippines under the Spanish colonial administration, who established Manila as a center of power.

3. Vicente Legaspi (1908-1964), a Filipino painter, considered one of the pioneers of modernism in Philippine art, known for his abstract expressionist style.

4. Carlos Legaspi (1925-2007), an American architect and urban planner, who played a significant role in shaping New York City's landscape with projects like Lincoln Center and the United Nations complex.

5. Eliseo Legaspi (1938-2013), a Filipino Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Malolos from 1987 until his retirement in 2013.

Genealogical research on the last name Legaspi

The Legaspi surname originates from the Basque region in Spain and is one of the most prominent families in Philippine history. Juan de Salcedo y Legaspi, a member of this family, was a Spanish conquistador who founded the city of Manila in 1571, becoming the first Governor-General of the Philippines. The Legaspi dynasty played significant roles in shaping the country's political and cultural landscape throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable descendants include Gov.-Gen. Luis Perez Dasmariñas, who ruled during the early Spanish colonial period, and General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippine Republic. The Legaspi surname continues to be prevalent in the Philippines, reflecting its historical significance and enduring legacy.

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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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