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Last Name Loinaz

What is the origin of the last name Loinaz?

The surname Loinaz is of Basque origin. It is one of the many Basque surnames that have a geographical or toponymic meaning, indicating a place or location. Specifically, Loinaz could be derived from the place name "Loinaz" in the Basque Country, located in the province of Gipuzkoa, Spain. The name may refer to a person who lived at this location, or perhaps someone who originated from there.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Loinaz

The meaning and origin of the last name Loinaz

The surname Loinaz is Basque, originating from the historical province of Guipuzcoa in the Basque Country, located in northern Spain and southwestern France. The name is derived from the toponym "Loinatz" or "Loienatz," which is a village near the town of Azpeitia. In Basque, the name can be interpreted as "the place where there are holm oaks," referring to the presence of these trees in the area. The name Loinaz is relatively uncommon outside of the Basque Country but carries a strong cultural and regional identity among its bearers.

Geographical distribution of the last name Loinaz

The surname Loinaz is primarily distributed across the Basque Country, a region spanning the northern parts of Spain and southern France. Within Spain, it is most prevalent in the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya, where the Basque language and culture are strongly represented. In France, the name can be found primarily in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Additionally, there are smaller concentrations of Loinaz surnames in other parts of Spain and the world, especially among Basque communities in Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States, as a result of historical migration patterns.

Variants and spellings of the last name Loinaz

The surname Loinaz has several variations and spellings, including Loñez, Loínez, Lóñas, Lóinez, Loinezas, and possibly others due to regional dialects or transcription errors. These variations mainly stem from the use of Spanish diacritics, which may be omitted or replaced in some instances, leading to slight alterations in spelling. However, it's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific family or geographical location associated with the name. In any case, all these variations are considered forms of the same surname Loinaz.

Famous people with the last name Loinaz

Notable individuals with the surname Loinaz include:

1. Jorge Loinaz (1874-1936), a Spanish poet and writer who was one of the most important figures in the Generation of '98 movement, known for his lyrical poetry and novels. He was executed during the Spanish Civil War.

2. Francisco Loinaz (1905-1978), a Spanish politician who served as Minister of Finance under Franco's dictatorship from 1969 to 1973, known for his economic liberalization policies.

3. José María Loinaz (born 1948), a Basque Spanish writer and journalist, best known for his novels set in the Basque Country. He has received several prestigious literary awards in Spain.

4. Carlos Loinaz (born 1967), a Spanish filmmaker and screenwriter, notable for directing "El hombre que composía a partir de fantasmas" ("The Man Who Composed from Ghosts").

These individuals have made significant contributions to Spanish literature, politics, and cinema.

Genealogical research on the last name Loinaz

The surname Loinaz is of Basque origin, specifically from the province of Guipúzcoa, northern Spain. It derives from the place-name Loitzu, meaning "place of elms," which was located near the town of Zumarraga in Guipúzcoa. The first recorded instance of the name Loinaz dates back to the late Middle Ages, with Juan Sanchez de Loinaz appearing in records from 1497. Over the centuries, the family expanded and established branches in various regions, particularly within the Basque Country and neighboring Navarra. Notable members include the Loinaz de Balzola branch, whose coat of arms features three storks, and the Loinaz de Echave, whose coat of arms depicts a lion. The name has also been found in South America, where many Basques emigrated during the colonial period. Today, the Loinaz surname remains prominent among the Basque diaspora, with variations such as Loinace, Loinaiz, and Loinatz also appearing.

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 : 13 June 2025

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