Last Name Lizarda

The surname Lizarda is a Spanish and Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the male given name Lizardo or Lisardos, which originated as a byname for someone who was likened to a lizard due to some physical characteristic or behavior. The name Lizardo is thought to have been formed from the Arabic name Al-Azzar (the lizard), which was brought to Iberia by the Moors during their occupation of the region between the 8th and 15th centuries. Over time, as many families migrated or were forced to flee, the name spread throughout Spain and Portugal, eventually making its way into other parts of Europe and the Americas via colonization and immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lizarda

The meaning and origin of the last name Lizarda

The surname Lizarda is primarily of Spanish origin, with roots traced back to medieval Iberia. It derives from the occupational name for someone who was a lizard catcher or seller in Old Castilian markets during the Middle Ages. The term "lizardo" (lizard) in Spanish was used to describe both the reptile and someone involved with them, thus giving birth to this surname. Over time, as migration patterns shifted and family lines evolved, Lizarda became a widely recognized last name across Latin America, particularly Spain, Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. The evolution of names in Spanish-speaking cultures frequently reflects the agricultural or commercial roles held by early bearers of these names, providing an intriguing glimpse into their past.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lizarda

The surname Lizarda is primarily distributed across several regions in Latin America, particularly in countries such as Mexico and Cuba, due to their large populations with Spanish heritage. In Mexico, it is most prevalent in the central and southern states, including Guerrero, Oaxaca, Puebla, Veracruz, and Michoacán, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI). Similarly, in Cuba, it is common among residents of Havana and other major cities. The name also appears sporadically in Spain, reflecting its origin as a Spanish surname. Beyond Latin America, there are small communities of people with the surname Lizarda in countries such as the United States, where many immigrants from Mexico and Cuba have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lizarda

The surname Lizarda possesses several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors, regional dialects, and immigration influences. Some of these include Lizarde, Lizardo, Lizzada, Lizara, and Lysarda, among others. Additionally, there may be slight modifications based on the country or region where the name originated from, such as Mexican (Lizarda), Spanish (Lizardo), or Italian (Lisciarda). It is essential to remember that each person's spelling of their last name can vary slightly due to personal preference or phonetic adaptations. As a result, it is crucial always to consider multiple variations when searching for records related to the Lizarda family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Lizarda

Notable individuals with the surname Lizarda include:

1. Ana Lizardi (born 1967), a Mexican actress and model who is best known for her roles in telenovelas such as "Marisol" and "Rubí."
2. Luis Lizardi (1838-1884), a Mexican engineer, architect, politician, and diplomat during the Porfirio Díaz era. He was instrumental in the construction of several important buildings and public works projects.
3. Manuel J. Lizardi (1906-1976), a Puerto Rican composer, conductor, arranger, and musicologist who is regarded as one of the pioneers of salsa music. He also made significant contributions to Latin American folk music.
4. Oscar Lizardi (born 1982), an Argentine footballer who plays as a midfielder for Club Atlético Lanús in Argentina's Primera División. He has represented the Argentine national team at various levels.
5. Renee Lizardi (born 1974), an Australian actress, best known for her roles in television series such as "All Saints" and "Wonderland." She has also appeared in several films and stage productions.
6. Ruben Lizardi (born 1982), a Mexican professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He currently plays for Cruz Azul in Mexico's Liga MX. He has represented the Mexican national team at various levels.

Genealogical research on the last name Lizarda

The surname Lizarda originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain, where it is most prevalent in regions such as Castile and León, Valencia, and Andalusia. The name is derived from a geographical location or topographical feature, likely related to the word "lizardo," which translates to "lizard" in Spanish. It is believed that the earliest known bearer of this name was a man named Pedro Lizarda, who lived during the late Middle Ages. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have slightly varied due to factors such as regional dialects, emigration, and record-keeping discrepancies. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Juan de Lizardi (15th century), a renowned Spanish poet, and the contemporary Spanish actor, Carlos Lizarza. Today, descendants of the Lizarda family can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Spain, the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lizarda"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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