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Last Name Macarez

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What is the origin of the last name Macarez?

The surname Macarez is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Macario, which means "blessed" in Greek. The name Macario was brought to Spain and Portugal by Moors and later adopted by Christians as a way to Christianize names of Moorish origin. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms, including Mackarey, MacArthur, and MacAree, among others.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Macarez

The surname Macarez is of Spanish origin, derived from several possible sources. One potential etymology traces it back to the medieval occupation name "el macero," meaning "the one who beats or works with a mallet." Another theory suggests that the name could have originated as a nickname for someone who was lively or mischievous, derived from the Spanish word "macarrón" which means "naughty fellow." A third possibility is that it is a regional variant of the Basque surname Makazaga. In any case, the Macarez surname has been documented in Spain for several centuries and is relatively uncommon compared to other Spanish surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Macarez

The surname Macarez has a predominantly Spanish distribution, with the highest concentrations found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Castile-Leon. In Galicia, it is most common in the provinces of A Coruña, Pontevedra, and Lugo. In Castile-Leon, it is prevalent in the provinces of Zamora, León, and Palencia. The name also has a presence in Portugal, specifically in the northern region of Minho, due to historical ties between Galicia and Portugal. Beyond Europe, there are Macarez families in countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations such as Mexico, Argentina, and the United States, especially in areas with high immigration from Spain or Galicia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Macarez

The surname Macarez can have various spellings due to regional dialects and historical transcription differences. Some common spelling variations include Macarese, Macarezi, Macarés, Macarizi, Macaris, Macari, Macario, Macary, and Maceris. These variations may be found in different countries or among families with ancestral roots from Portugal, Spain, or other regions where these names originated. It's important to note that the spelling can also change based on cultural adaptations over time and individual preferences when immigrating to new countries.

Famous people with the last name Macarez

Notable individuals with the surname Macarez include:

1. Jorge Macarez (born 1976), a Spanish actor known for his roles in films such as "A Walk to Remember" and "Spider-Man 3."
2. José Manuel Macarez (born 1984), a retired professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs like Real Madrid and Valencia CF.
3. Antonio Macarez (fl. 16th century), a Spanish composer of the Renaissance period, famous for his sacred music.
4. Manuel Macarez (died 1272), the King of Portugal from 1279 to 1279, also known as Infante Manuel or Manuel I of Portugal.
5. Joaquim Macarez (born 1960), a Portuguese historian and academic, specializing in the history of science and technology.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including acting, sports, music, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Macarez

The Macarez surname is primarily found in Spain, with roots dating back to the late Middle Ages. One of the earliest records of the name comes from Catalonia in 1274, where it was spelled as "Macaraz." Over the centuries, variations in spelling have arisen due to factors such as regional dialects and scribal errors. These variants include Macarez, Macarés, Macares, and Maceras. The name is thought to be derived from a local place name or occupational term, possibly related to the Catalan "macer," meaning "miller." During the Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century, many individuals with the surname Macarez were forced to flee their homes due to religious persecution and migrated to other parts of Spain, as well as overseas colonies such as Mexico and the Philippines. Today, the Macarez surname can be found worldwide among descendants of these early Spanish families.

Last name distribution maps

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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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