Last Name Munarriz

The surname Munarriz is of Spanish origin. It derives from the toponymic name for a location named "Munoz," which was originally a common surname in medieval Spain. The suffix "-rriz" indicates that it has been derived from such a place name, meaning it was once associated with someone who lived near or originated from Munoz. The root of the place name is likely the personal name "Munio," a popular Visigothic name in early medieval Spain. Over time, this surname spread across Spain and its territories, including Puerto Rico and Cuba due to migrations during the colonization period.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Munarriz

The meaning and origin of the last name Munarriz

The surname Munarriz is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region in northern Spain. It is derived from various places named Munar or Munarriz within this area, which are believed to have been originally inhabited by people bearing the name. Over time, as people migrated, the surname spread throughout Spain and other countries with significant Spanish influence. The name can be broken down etymologically into two parts: "muna" meaning "honey" in Basque, and "harri" which translates to "estate," potentially indicating a location associated with bees or honey production.

Geographical distribution of the last name Munarriz

The last name Munarriz is primarily distributed across Spain, particularly in its northern regions such as Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. A significant number of people bearing this surname can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and Puerto Rico due to historical migration patterns. The name has roots in the town of Mungia, Biscay (Basque Country) where it is believed to have originated. Outside Spain, there are also communities with Munarriz descendants in countries like Argentina, United States, and other parts of Europe, largely as a result of Spanish colonization or modern migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Munarriz

The surname Munarriz has multiple variations and spellings, originating from Spanish-speaking countries. Some common variations include: Munarriz, Munarice, Munariz, Munaritz, Munaritx, Munarici, Munarics, Munaritzs, and Munaritzes. These variations may arise due to regional differences, transcription errors over time, or personal preference in spelling. Regardless of the specific spelling, they all share a common root originating from the Spanish word "municho" or "munar," which means "small hill."

Famous people with the last name Munarriz

The Munarriz family is notable for producing several successful figures in various fields. One prominent member is Ricardo Munarriz, a Venezuelan businessman and entrepreneur who co-founded the e-commerce company Mercadolibre, one of Latin America's largest online marketplaces. Another significant figure is Claudia Munarriz, a Canadian actress best known for her role in the TV series "The Handmaid's Tale." In the field of journalism, Andres Munarriz is a well-known name, having worked as an anchor and correspondent for Univision and CNN en Español. Lastly, in the world of academia, Jose A. Munarriz, a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, specializes in control systems and has made significant contributions to robotics and manufacturing automation. These individuals demonstrate the diverse achievements of those bearing the surname Munarriz.

Genealogical research on the last name Munarriz

The Munarriz surname originates from the Basque region, specifically in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. Historically, it is believed to be derived from a place name, with "Munar" possibly referring to a mill and "riz" meaning 'place', thus indicating someone who lived near a mill. The Munarriz family is one of the oldest and most distinguished Basque families, with roots tracing back to the 13th century. Some notable bearers of this surname include the Spanish economist Mariano R. Lacave de Munarriz and the Spanish politician José Manuel Muñárriz y Aguirre. The name has various spellings such as Munariz, Munarrez, and Monarriz due to variations in transcribing and transliterating Basque names into Latin during the Middle Ages.

Last name distribution maps

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 : 28 July 2025

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