Last Name Malacara

The surname Malacara is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place-name, either one of several locations in Spain such as Malacara in Zaragoza, or possibly an inhabitant of such a place. Like many Spanish surnames, it originated during the late Middle Ages, when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, ordered the use of fixed family names throughout their kingdom to improve record-keeping.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Malacara

The meaning and origin of the last name Malacara

The surname Malacara is primarily of Spanish origin, deriving from the region of Spain called Aragon. It is believed to have been originally occupational or locative in nature, with roots in the Old Spanish word "malacar" meaning 'soft, tender', which could have referred to a person who worked with soft materials, such as leather or textiles, or someone who lived near a soft, fertile land. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, with variations including Malacara, Malacar, and Malakar, reflecting regional dialects within Spain. The surname is relatively uncommon outside of Spain, although it can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Malacara

The surname Malacara is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and various Latin American nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Peru. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, it ranks within the top 1000 most common last names in these countries. The name also has a presence in other Spanish-speaking communities worldwide, including the United States, where it is concentrated primarily in areas with high populations of Latin American descent. In general, the geographical distribution of Malacara reflects the historical spread of the Spanish language and culture.

Variants and spellings of the last name Malacara

The surname Malacara has several variations and spellings, including Malakara, Malagarza, Mallacara, Malaquiza, Malaquias, Malakias, Malakia, Malakiya, Malaquiaga, Malaquiari, Malaquiaro, Malaquiarra, Malaquier, Malaquiera, Malaquiet, Malaquitas, Malaquitez, Malaquizio, Malaquizu, and possibly others based on regional differences or personal preferences. These variations can arise due to factors such as phonetic changes in pronunciation over time, historical spelling conventions, or mistakes in transcription. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a name can depend on its origin (country or region), family tradition, and individual preference.

Famous people with the last name Malacara

Among notable individuals sharing the surname Malacara are:

1. Julio César Malacara (born 1964), a retired professional footballer who played as a midfielder, particularly for the Mexican national team in the 1980s and 1990s. He also had a brief career with English club Nottingham Forest F.C.

2. Pilar Malacara (born 1963), a Spanish actress who gained prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, appearing in films like "The Three Wise Men" (Los Reyes Magos) and "The Spirit of the Beehive."

3. Carlos Malacara (born 1967), a Venezuelan television director and screenwriter, best known for his work on popular telenovelas such as "Muchacha italiana vas a casarse" and "Vencer el miedo."

4. Josefa Malacara Vázquez (1892-1976), a Mexican educator who was the first woman to be named Secretary of Education in Mexico, serving from 1932 until 1935 under President Lázaro Cárdenas.

Genealogical research on the last name Malacara

The surname Malacara originates from Spain, specifically the region of Andalusia. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name "Malaquias" or "Malaquías," which means "my justification is God" in Hebrew. This name was brought to America by Spanish settlers during the colonization period. The Malacara family can be traced back to the 16th century in the province of Seville, with documented genealogical records available from this time forward.

The Malacaras immigrated to America primarily through the ports of Veracruz and Havana, settling in Mexico and Cuba before moving on to other parts of the continent. In the 18th century, a branch of the family settled in the Philippines as a result of the Spanish conquest.

Throughout history, the Malacara family has been noted for their contributions in various fields, including politics, education, and the arts, with notable figures such as Juan de Malacara y Lugo, who served as mayor of the city of Arequipa in Peru, and María Malvar Malacara, a renowned Filipino artist. The Malacara family's diverse heritage and wide geographical distribution continue to expand across generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Malacara"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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