Last Name Matachana

The last name Matachana is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Navarre in northern Spain. The Basques are an ethnic group who have lived in the Basque Country, which spans parts of Spain and France. Their language, Euskara, is unrelated to any other known language. Surnames emerged during the Late Middle Ages as a way to identify individuals within a community. In many cases, Basque surnames are derived from occupations, place names, or physical characteristics. The origin of Matachana may be related to a specific location or occupation that was significant in its bearer's lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Matachana

The meaning and origin of the last name Matachana

The surname Matachana is of Basque origin, primarily found in the Northern Spanish regions of Navarre and Gipuzkoa, as well as in southern France. It derives from the Basque word "matxaka" which means 'broom' or 'brush'. In the Basque language, personal names often reflect a physical attribute, occupation, or environmental feature related to the bearer's appearance or circumstances at the time of birth. The name Matachana may have been given to someone who resembled a broom or worked with brushes in their profession. Like many Basque surnames, Matachana was traditionally passed down patrilineally (from father to son), although this practice has varied over time and by region. Today, the Matachana surname can be found worldwide as Basques emigrated throughout history, particularly during the Industrial Revolution in Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Matachana

The surname Matachana is primarily concentrated in the Basque Country and Navarre regions of Spain, with significant numbers also found in neighboring areas such as Southwestern France (specifically Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Hautes-Pyrénées departments). This geographical distribution reflects the historical migration patterns between the Basque provinces and the French side of the Pyrenees. Smaller groups of Matachana family descendants can be found in various countries with significant Spanish or Basque communities, such as Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States. The surname is relatively uncommon outside these areas, suggesting a high degree of localization within its regions of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Matachana

The surname Matachana has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common variants include: Matacena, Matacan, Matacane, Matachen, Matachino, Matachine, Matashina, Mataschna, Matatschka, Matajana, Mataiana, Matajana, Matahana, Mataxina, Matejana, and Matejano. These variations may arise from regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or assimilation into different linguistic and cultural contexts. The original origin of the name is unclear, with possible roots in Basque, Spanish, or other Iberian languages. It is important to note that surnames can change significantly over generations due to factors such as migration, language shifts, and recording errors. Therefore, it's essential to consider multiple spellings when researching genealogy or ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Matachana

The Matachana family is associated with notable figures across various fields and regions. In Spain, Antonio Matachana, born in 1935, is a renowned businessman and the founder of Grupo Matachana, one of the country's leading automotive groups. In Mexico, Arturo Matachana (1862-1941) was a prominent physician and politician who served as the Minister of Public Education in 1905. Additionally, Juan Matachana (1934-1997), a Mexican architect, is celebrated for his contributions to midcentury modernism, particularly for designing the iconic Torre Latinoamericana, Mexico City's tallest building at the time of its completion in 1956. In sports, Miguel Matachana (born 1982) is an Argentine professional footballer who played for top European clubs such as Real Madrid and AC Milan. Lastly, in the entertainment industry, there is Aida Matachana (born 1972), a Spanish television host and presenter. These individuals serve as testaments to the diverse achievements of those carrying the surname Matachana.

Genealogical research on the last name Matachana

The Matachana surname is believed to have origins in the Basque region of Spain and France, with the earliest known records tracing back to the late medieval period. One notable early bearer was Martin Matachana, who resided in Navarre during the 16th century. Over time, the Matachana family expanded across the Pyrenees into neighboring regions, particularly in the provinces of Guipúzcoa and Zaragoza. By the 18th century, Matachanas had also migrated to South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, as a result of Spanish colonization. In modern times, the Matachana surname can be found across various countries, with significant populations in Spain, Argentina, and the United States, reflecting its historical journey and cultural dissemination.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Matachana"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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