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Last Name Llongarriu

What is the origin of the last name Llongarriu?

The surname Llongarriu is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Guipuzcoa in Spain. It is derived from the place names Longorri and Larrun, both of which are located in Guipuzcoa. These place names are composed of the elements "longo" meaning steep or high, and "gorri" or "larrun" meaning red. Therefore, the surname Llongarriu can be interpreted as "from the high red place." The Basque people have a unique system of hereditary surnames that does not follow typical European naming conventions, which is reflected in the origin and formation of many Basque last names like Llongarriu.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Llongarriu

The meaning and origin of the last name Llongarriu

The surname Llongarriu is of Basque origin, derived from the place name Longorria, located in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. The name of the town comes from the Basque words "lur" meaning hill and "garria" or "gari" meaning a small village or farmstead, thus translating to "hillside farmstead". Over time, the surname has been spelled variously as Llongarri, Longorri, Longarri, among others. It is one of many Basque surnames that have been carried by families who originated from this region and migrated across Europe and beyond. The name Llongarriu continues to be a common surname in the Basque Country as well as in other countries with significant Basque diaspora populations, such as Argentina, Mexico, United States, and France.

Geographical distribution of the last name Llongarriu

The surname Llongarriu is predominantly found in the Basque Country, a region located in northern Spain and southwestern France. Historically, it has been one of the most common surnames in the province of Guipúzcoa within Spain's Basque Autonomous Community. The name is also present in Navarra, another Basque-speaking region in Spain. In addition, there are significant numbers of people bearing the Llongarriu surname in the French Basque Country, particularly in the departments of Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées. The distribution pattern suggests a strong historical connection to the Basque region for this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Llongarriu

The surname Llongarriu has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Longarrio, Llongario, Longarru, Llongarrú, and Llongarry. These variations may arise from slight differences in the way the name is pronounced or written down over time in different regions or by different people. The name Llongarriu is of Basque origin and can be found predominantly among Basques, both in the Basque Country (located in Spain and France) and among diaspora communities around the world. It is derived from the word "Lurra," meaning "mountain," and "Herría," meaning "blacksmith's forge." Together, these elements signify a blacksmith living near or on a mountainous region.

Famous people with the last name Llongarriu

The Llongarriu family is notable for its contributions across various fields, primarily in music and politics. One of the most renowned members is Josep Llongueras i Llongarriu (1879-1949), a Catalan composer who was awarded the National Prize for Music by the Generalitat de Catalunya in 1932. Another notable figure is Josep Llongueras i Mundet (1869-1956), a Spanish politician and lawyer from Catalonia, known for his role as Minister of Education during the Second Spanish Republic. In the world of music, Jordi Savall, born as Jordi Llonguers i Savall, is an internationally acclaimed viol player, musicologist, and conductor. Lastly, Maria-Isabel Llongueras Gómez, a prominent Spanish journalist, has worked for various media outlets such as ABC, El País, and Telecinco. These individuals have significantly contributed to their respective fields, earning them recognition within their professions and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Llongarriu

The surname Llongarriu originates from the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. The name is believed to be derived from the toponymic place name "Lurre-Berdiku" in the province of Guipúzcoa, where it is thought to have been first used as a surname. The Llongarrius are one of several Basque families that migrated to Catalonia, Spain during the Middle Ages, contributing to the cultural and linguistic diversity of the region. Over time, variations of the name emerged, including Llongueras, Longaritas, and Llonguero, which may have originated from misinterpretations or regional dialects. The Llongarrius have a significant presence in Catalonia, particularly in cities like Barcelona, where they have contributed to various sectors, including politics, art, and education. Notable individuals with the surname include politicians Josep Llongueras i Barrau and Francesc Llongueras i Pujalte, as well as architect Xavier Llongueras i Casanovas.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 28 July 2025

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