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Last Name Onsoño

What is the origin of the last name Onsoño?

The surname "Onsoño" is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place-name or geographical location, specifically from "Osón," a town located in the province of Palencia in Castile and León, Spain. This patronymic surname was often given to the children born in or near this town, as a way to identify their familial origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Onsoño

The meaning and origin of the last name Onsoño

The surname Onsoño is of Basque origin, specifically from the province of Guipúzcoa in Spain. It derives from the toponymic term "Onzona," which refers to several villages and hamlets in this region. The name Onzona itself is thought to be related to a word in the ancient language spoken by Basque people, possibly meaning "river junction" or "place of assembly." Over time, as was common practice during the Middle Ages, individuals were identified by the location of their birth or residence. As people moved and migrated, surnames like Onsoño came to be adopted by families, ensuring a unique and lasting identifier within their communities. Today, Onsoño is relatively uncommon outside of Basque-speaking regions but remains an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Onsoño

The surname Onsoño is predominantly found in Spain, specifically in the autonomous community of Galicia. According to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE) of Spain, it ranks among the top 20,000 most common surnames in the country, with a concentration in the provinces of A Coruña and Pontevedra. The name also has a presence in other regions of Spain but is significantly less common outside of Galicia. It is worth noting that the name Onsoño can be found in other countries due to emigration from Spain, especially those with significant Spanish populations such as Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States. However, its concentration remains highest in Galicia, reflecting its origins within this region of northwestern Spain.

Variants and spellings of the last name Onsoño

The surname Onsoño has several variations and spellings. Some common spelling alterations include: Osono, Ossonoh, Ossono, Onsono, Onsohn, O'Sonoh, O'Sonno, O'Sonoho, O'Sonna, and O'Sonnah. These variations can occur due to differences in transliteration from other languages, regional dialects, or personal preferences when spelling a name. It is also possible that some of these spellings may represent different branches or families within the same ancestral lineage. The exact origins of the surname Onsoño are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have roots in the Basque region of Spain or perhaps an African origin.

Famous people with the last name Onsoño

Notable individuals bearing the surname Onsoño include:

1. Juan Onzoño (born 1964), Spanish former footballer who played as a forward for several top clubs in Spain, including Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. He also represented the Spanish national team during the 1980s.
2. José Luis Onzono (1951-2005), Spanish professional basketball player who played as a center, representing both the Spanish national team and various clubs in Spain's Liga ACB. In 1974, he won a silver medal at the Munich Olympic Games with the Spanish national team.
3. Fernando Onzoño (born 1952), Spanish journalist and politician who served as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food between 2008 and 2011 during the Zapatero administration. Prior to politics, he was a reporter for various Spanish media outlets.
4. María Jesús Onzoño (born 1965), Spanish actress who has had a prolific career in film, television, and theater since the late 1980s. She is perhaps best known for her role as Estrella Calderón on the popular Spanish series "Águila Roja."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and left lasting impacts within Spanish culture.

Genealogical research on the last name Onsoño

The Onsoño surname, originating from Spain, is predominantly found in the region of Galicia. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period, with early records indicating a concentration of individuals bearing this name in the municipalities of Aranga and Outes during the 15th century. Over the centuries, the Onsoño family expanded geographically within Spain, with notable migrations to neighboring Portugal, particularly the district of Braga, due to religious and economic factors. In more recent times, members of the Onsoño family have been recorded in South America, specifically in Argentina and Uruguay, as a result of the Spanish colonial era and subsequent waves of immigration. The Onsoño lineage has thus evolved into a transnational entity with deep historical roots in Iberia and a significant presence in the Americas.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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