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Last Name Otamendi

What is the origin of the last name Otamendi?

The surname Otamendi is of Basque origin. The Basque Country is a region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. Surnames were first adopted in the Basque Country during the late Middle Ages as a means to distinguish individuals within communities. Many Basque surnames, like Otamendi, are derived from occupations or geographical locations. In this case, Otamendi is likely related to the word "otamendia," which means "place of otas" in Basque. Otas can refer to a variety of things such as animals (e.g., sheep), natural features like streams, or even buildings. Over time, these surnames have been passed down through generations and are now found throughout the world, particularly among descendants of Basques who emigrated during historical events such as the Carlist Wars or the Industrial Revolution.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Otamendi

The meaning and origin of the last name Otamendi

The surname Otamendi is of Basque origin, stemming from the ancient Basque-speaking regions of Spain and France. It is derived from the Basque words "otar" meaning 'rock' or 'stone', and "mendi" which means 'mountain'. Therefore, Otamendi likely originally referred to someone living near a rocky mountain or perhaps someone who lived on a rocky or stony piece of land. The name has been recorded in various spellings over time, reflecting the many dialects and phonetic variations within Basque, such as Ota Mendia, Otamendiya, and Otambeno. It is an uncommon surname but is most prevalent among Basque speakers, particularly in the Spanish provinces of Gipuzkoa, Biscay, and Navarre.

Geographical distribution of the last name Otamendi

The surname Otamendi has its origins primarily in Argentina, where it is one of the most common last names in several provinces such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Santa Fe. It is particularly prevalent in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán. Additionally, the name can also be found among Argentine immigrants to Spain, particularly in the region of Madrid. On a smaller scale, Otamendi can also be found among immigrants from Argentina living in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Europe. The name is derived from the Basque word "otamendi," which translates to "rich land" or "abundant place." This suggests that early bearers of this surname may have originated from a region known for its fertile lands.

Variants and spellings of the last name Otamendi

The surname Otamendi has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and regional dialects. Some common variants include O'Tamondy, O'Damondi, O'Tamondi, O'damondi, Odamondi, Otamonti, Otamonte, Otamondo, Otamonda, Otamundi, and Otamende. The name is of Basque origin and can be traced back to the town of Atxondo in the Biscay province, Spain. It is derived from the Basque words "oia" (place or land) and "mendi" (mountain), meaning "from the mountain land".

Famous people with the last name Otamendi

Nicolás Otamendi, an Argentine professional footballer, is one of the well-known individuals bearing the surname Otamendi. Born on March 8, 1991, in Baradero, Argentina, he plays as a central defender for the Italian club Torino and the Argentine national team. Otamendi began his professional career with Central Córdoba in 2010, moving to Valencia CF in Spain in 2014 before joining Manchester City in 2015. He has won numerous accolades, including the Premier League title and an FA Cup during his time at Manchester City. Another notable figure is Juan Pablo Otamendi, a political economist from Argentina who served as the Secretary of Foreign Investment for the Argentine government from 2015 to 2017. He is currently a visiting scholar at the Stanford Center on Global Poverty and Development.

Genealogical research on the last name Otamendi

The surname Otamendi originates from the Basque region, specifically in Spain and Argentina. In Spain, it is primarily found in the provinces of Biscay, Gipuzkoa, and Navarra. The name has various interpretations, with one being "place of the windmills" or "windmill place". In Argentina, Otamendi is most prevalent in the province of Buenos Aires, particularly in the cities of San Isidro and Tigre. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Nicolás Otamendi, a professional footballer who has played for Valencia CF, Porto, and currently Manchester City, and Martín Otamendi, a prominent Argentine lawyer and politician. The family name Otamendi is believed to have been brought to Argentina by Basque immigrants in the late 19th century during the Spanish colonization.

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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