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Last Name Ontiveros

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What is the origin of the last name Ontiveros?

The surname Ontiveros is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the town Ontiveros located in the province of Palencia, Spain. The name of the town, Ontiveros, comes from the personal names Ondes and Viro, meaning "belonging to the people of Ondes" or "belonging to the people of Viro". Over time, this place name became a last name for individuals who either originated from or migrated to other regions.
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The meaning and origin of the last name Ontiveros

The surname Ontiveros is a Spanish patronymic name derived from the given name Ontivero, which itself comes from the Visigothic personal name Audulfberht or Ondulferth, composed of the elements "audulf" (rich in nobility) or "ondulfr" (wolf-strength), and "-berht" (bright). The name was popularized during the Middle Ages, particularly among the Basque population. Over time, it has evolved to its current form, Ontiveros, and is now a common surname in Mexico, Spain, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to historical migrations and conquests.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ontiveros

The surname Ontiveros is predominantly found in Mexico, particularly in the states of Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima, due to its historical roots in these regions. It is also prevalent in other Mexican states like Guerrero, Michoacán, and Veracruz, suggesting a possible dispersal from the original concentration areas. Outside Mexico, Ontiveros can be found in countries with significant Mexican immigrant populations, such as the United States, particularly in California, Texas, Illinois, and Arizona, as well as Canada, Spain, and Guatemala. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of people from the western regions of Mexico to other parts of North America and Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ontiveros

The surname Ontiveros can be found with various spellings and variations due to regional differences and transliteration over time. Some common versions include Ontibiero, Ontivere, Ontivieros, Ontibero, and Oncieros. These variations may arise from misspellings, phonetic changes, or the use of different accents in various regions. In Mexican-American communities, the name Ontiveros is quite common due to its Spanish origins, with "Ontiveros" being the most widely recognized variant. However, it's essential to note that the correct spelling should be based on personal preference or family history.

Famous people with the last name Ontiveros

Notable individuals with the surname Ontiveros include:

1. Carlos Ontiveros (born 1962), an American composer and music theorist known for his contributions to contemporary classical music.
2. Elpidio Santo Ontiveros (1875-1953), a Filipino general who served as the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army during World War II.
3. Eduardo Ontiveros (born 1960), a Mexican composer and conductor, known for his innovative approach to orchestral music.
4. Fernando Ontiveros (born 1972), a Mexican professional boxer who held the WBO super featherweight title in 2003.
5. Jaime Ontiveros (born 1962), an American politician who served as a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
6. Jorge Ontiveros (born 1983), an American composer and performer, known for his works in contemporary classical music and multimedia installations.

Genealogical research on the last name Ontiveros

The Ontiveros surname originates from Spain, specifically the Castile region, where it is believed to have been derived from the occupational name "Ontivero," meaning a tenant farmer or a man who lived near an oak grove. The first recorded use of the name in Europe was in the 15th century. Many Ontiveros descendants migrated to Mexico during the colonial period, where the surname is still common today. In the United States, the Ontiveros family can be traced back to Spanish colonizers who settled in New Mexico and Texas in the late 1600s and early 1700s. Over time, the family dispersed throughout various regions of the U.S., with significant populations found in California, Texas, and Arizona today.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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