Last Name Munarriz

The last name Munarriz is of Spanish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Basque word "mune", which means hill, and the suffix "aritz", which means abundance or abundance of hills. Therefore, Munarriz likely originated as a surname for someone who lived near or on a hilly area in the Basque region of Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Munarriz

The meaning and origin of the last name Munarriz

The surname Munarriz is of Basque origin, derived from the place name Munarriz, which is a town in the province of Navarre, Spain. The name Munarriz is believed to have originated from the Basque words "muna", meaning mound or hill, and "arritze", meaning ash tree. Therefore, Munarriz could be translated as "hill of ash trees". This surname is likely to have originated as a locational surname to identify individuals who originally came from or lived in the town of Munarriz. Over time, individuals with the surname Munarriz would have spread to other areas, leading to the dispersal of the surname throughout Spain and potentially beyond. Today, individuals with the surname Munarriz can be found in various regions around the world, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Munarriz

The name Munarriz is of Basque origin and is mainly in the region of Navarra, Spain. However, it can also be found in other areas of Spain, such as in the Basque Country and in some provinces of Castilla y León. The geographical spread of this surname is largely due to the emigration of families who carried this surname in search of new employment opportunities and better living conditions in other regions of Spain and the world. Although its presence is majority in Navarre, it is possible to find people with the name Munarriz in other countries such as Argentina, the United States and France, as a result of the Basque diaspora in different historical moments. At present, this surname remains relatively common in the region of Navarre and in Basque communities elsewhere.

Variants and spellings of the last name Munarriz

The last name Munarriz can be spelled in various ways, including Munnarriz, Munarríz, Munnariz, Munariz, Munaryz, Munarris, and Munorris. These variations may come from different dialects, regions, or histories of the name. The variations in spelling could also be due to errors in transcription or translation over time. Despite the different spellings, the pronunciation of the surname remains consistent, with an emphasis on the second syllable "nah-REEZ." Munarriz is a common surname in countries with Spanish influence, particularly in Spain and parts of Latin America. Families who bear the name Munarriz often share a common ancestry or heritage, despite the different spellings that may exist within the family tree.

Famous people with the last name Munarriz

The Munarriz family has produced several famous characters throughout history. One of them is the Navarre painter José María Munarriz, known for his works of art inspired by nature and everyday life. His unique style and ability to capture the essence of his subjects have made him one of the most recognized artists of his generation. Another outstanding member of the family is the actor Luis Munarriz, whose performances in theatre and cinema have received praises of criticism and the public alike. With their innate talent and dedication to art, the Munarriz have left an imprint on the world of entertainment and visual arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Munarriz

The Munarriz surname is of Basque origin, derived from the place name Munarriz in the province of Navarre, Spain. The name is believed to have originated from the Basque words "muna" meaning hill and "arritza" meaning fern, suggesting that the original bearers of the surname may have been associated with a hill covered in ferns. The Munarriz family has a long history in Navarre, with records dating back to the 16th century showing individuals with the surname residing in various towns and villages in the region. Over the centuries, members of the Munarriz family have spread to other parts of Spain and beyond, with descendants found in countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Mexico. Today, individuals with the surname Munarriz can be found across the globe, proudly carrying on the heritage of their Basque ancestors.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Munarriz"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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