Last Name Perucho

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perucho

The meaning and origin of the last name Perucho

The surname Perucho is of Spanish origin, derived from the medieval Occitan word "perugh", which means "banner" or "standard". This name was initially given to someone who carried a banner in a battle or procession, denoting a sense of leadership and valor. Over time, it evolved into the modern Spanish surname Perucho, becoming widely distributed across Spain, particularly in the region of Galicia where many surnames have roots in the Occitan language due to historical influences. Notable individuals with this surname include poet Jorge Perucho (1935 - 2004) and footballer Juan Carlos Perucho (born 1987).

Geographical distribution of the last name Perucho

The last name Perucho is primarily distributed across the Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Spain and South America, with significant concentrations in countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Peru. In Spain, it is most frequently found in the autonomous communities of Castile-La Mancha, Castile and Leon, and Extremadura, reflecting its historic roots in these areas. In South America, Perucho is prevalent due to the migration of Spanish families during the colonization period and subsequent waves of immigration. Additionally, variations such as Perecho or Perúchio can also be found in Brazil, indicating Portuguese influence. Overall, the distribution of the last name Perucho highlights historical links between Spain and its former colonies in South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perucho

The surname Perucho has several variants and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some of these variants include Perucho, Perecho, Perrucho, Perrocho, Pereccho, Peracco, Peraccio, Peracho, and Peraccoh. These variations can be found throughout Spain, particularly in regions like Aragon, Castile-La Mancha, and Catalonia. The name is likely of Basque or Arabic origin, with the earliest records dating back to the 16th century in Spain. Some scholars suggest that it may derive from "perro," Spanish for dog, indicating a nickname based on physical appearance or personality traits.

Famous people with the last name Perucho

The Perucho surname is known for its association with notable individuals in various fields. One of the most renowned is Alejandro Perucho y Llevado (1849-1923), a Spanish architect and engineer, who designed several important buildings in Madrid, including the National Library of Spain. In the world of entertainment, there's Juan Antonio Perucho (born 1950), a Spanish film director, screenwriter, and producer. He has directed numerous films, including "El Lobo" which won multiple Goya Awards in 2004. On the literary front, there's Jorge Perucho (1936-2017), a Cuban poet, playwright, and professor of Spanish literature. His works have been translated into several languages, and he was a prominent figure in the Cuban cultural scene. Lastly, mention must be made of Paz Perucho (born 1985), a Spanish actress known for her role in "La Casa de Papel" (Money Heist). She has also appeared in films such as "El Barco" and "Ahora o Nunca". These are some of the significant figures bearing the Perucho surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Perucho

The Perucho surname is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the regions of Andalusia and Aragon. It is believed to have derived from the old Castilian word "perrojo," meaning red-haired or ginger-colored, due to the association between red hair and fiery temperament. This name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing the presence of individuals bearing this surname in the 15th century. Notable Peruchos include Juan de Perucho, a 16th-century lawyer and poet; Francisco Perucho y Zamalloa, a 17th-century Spanish viceroy; and Carlos Perucho, a contemporary Spanish artist. The Perucho lineage has spread globally due to migration waves, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to a diverse distribution of the name across various countries, including Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Perucho"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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