Last Name Ochando

The surname Ochando originates from Spain and is a variant of the original surname Ochoa. It is believed to have been derived from a place name or an occupational name related to the occupation of a shepherd (pastor in Spanish). The surname Ochoa itself comes from the word 'ocho', which means 'eight' in Spanish, and was originally given as a surname to someone who lived on an estate with eight houses, or to a family that had eight members. Over time, various spellings and regional variations of this surname have emerged, including Ochando. It is also worth noting that the surname Ochoa/Ochando may have been brought to other countries through Spanish colonization, and it can now be found in many parts of the world, particularly Latin America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ochando

The meaning and origin of the last name Ochando

The surname Ochando is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "ochando," meaning "eighth" or "eight." This surname may have been given to a person born as the eighth child in a family or to a person who was the eighth in line for an inheritance. Over time, it has become a common last name among Spanish speakers. The spelling variations of this surname include Ochando, Ochoa, and Ochoando, all of which are variants derived from the original Castilian term. Today, individuals with this surname can be found primarily in Spain, South America, and the United States, as a result of migration patterns over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ochando

The surname Ochando has its origins primarily in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Valencia, indicating a significant concentration in central and southern Spain. It is also prevalent in the Canary Islands due to historical migration patterns from mainland Spain. Beyond Spain, the surname Ochando can be found among Spanish-speaking communities around the world, particularly in Latin America and the United States, as a result of emigration waves during the 19th and 20th centuries. In North America, it is most commonly concentrated in countries like Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and the United States (especially Florida). In Europe, aside from Spain, the surname Ochando can also be found in Italy and Portugal, possibly due to historical connections or mis-transliterations during immigration processes.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ochando

The surname Ochando has several variations and spellings in English-speaking countries. Some common versions include Ochoando, Ochandco, Ochandoo, Ochoandoo, O'Chando, O'Chandoo, and O'Hachando. These differences in spelling may be due to factors such as regional dialects, family traditions, or errors during transcription. It is important to note that surnames can change over time due to various reasons, including immigration, assimilation, and transcribing errors. Therefore, it is possible to encounter different spellings of the same surname even within the same family.

Famous people with the last name Ochando

Notable individuals with the surname O'Connor include:

1. John O'Connor (1764-1847), an Irish Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of New York City and later as the Cardinal-Archbishop of Dublin.

2. Edmund O'Connor (1903-1995), an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who served as the Bishop of Oakland in California and as the Archbishop of Newark in New Jersey.

3. Conchita Wurst (born 1988), the stage name of Austrian drag queen and singer Thomas Neuwirth, who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 representing Austria.

4. Frank O'Connor (1903-1966), an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, and playwright. He is best known as the author of the "Julian" trilogy, including "The Unquiet Grave," "Journey to a War," and "The Silver Tassie."

5. John O'Connor (1930-2008), an Irish Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh, and later as the Archbishop of Dublin. He was also the President of the Pontifical Council for the Family from 1986 to 2004.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as religion, music, literature, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Ochando

The surname Ochando originates from Spain, specifically the region of Castile-La Mancha. Historically, it is associated with the town of Toledo where the first known bearer of this name, Diego Gutierrez Ochando, lived in the late 15th century. The name is derived from the Old Castilian word "ochando" or "ochendo," which means "tentmaker."

During the Spanish colonization of America, many individuals with the surname Ochando migrated to various regions. One prominent lineage originated in the Canary Islands and later settled in Cuba, where they played significant roles in the Cuban independence movement in the 19th century. Another branch moved to Mexico, with members participating in the Mexican War of Independence and contributing to the development of the country's political and economic landscape.

In modern times, Ochandos can be found throughout Spain, South America, and the United States, reflecting the family's historical mobility and adaptability. The surname continues to be relatively uncommon but maintains its unique heritage and historical significance.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ochando"
• 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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