Last Name Picazo

The surname Picazo is of Spanish origin. It derives from a place name or a geographical location, such as a hill or a mountain with a distinctive rocky outcropping, denoted by "piedra caza" in Castilian Spanish, which means "hunting stone." Over time, this phrase was abbreviated and simplified to create the surname Picazo.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Picazo

The meaning and origin of the last name Picazo

The surname Picazo is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in regions such as Castile and León, where it is one of the most common surnames. The name derives from the Old Spanish word "picazo," which can be translated to "small pick or peg" in English. It is believed that the surname originated from a professional occupation, where someone was responsible for making or repairing small tools or wooden objects using pegs and picks. As with many Spanish surnames, Picazo likely evolved as a way of identifying individuals within communities during medieval times. Over centuries, it has spread across Spain and other parts of the world due to migration and historical events. Today, it is a common name among Spanish-speaking populations worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Picazo

The surname Picazo is predominantly found in Spain, with a significant concentration in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon, particularly in the provinces of Valladolid, Burgos, and Palencia. It is also present in other regions such as Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, and Extremadura. Beyond Spain, there are pockets of Picazo families in Latin America due to historical migration patterns. Notably, Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela have a significant number of individuals with this last name. Additionally, the United States and other Western countries host a small but noticeable presence of the Picazo surname, primarily among descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Picazo

The surname Picazo has several variations and spellings in English and other languages. Some common variations include Picaço (Portuguese), Picazzo (Italian), Picazo-García, Picazo-López, or Picazo-Muñoz (Spanish, where the surname is often combined with a given name to create a compound surname). Additionally, there may be minor differences in spelling based on regional dialects and phonetic transliterations. For example, some individuals may use Picahzou, Picazoo, or Pikaso as alternate spellings. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname can often depend on its origin and the specific family tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Famous people with the last name Picazo

The Picazo surname is notable for its association with several distinguished individuals across various fields. Juan Picazo y Barrio (1866-1937) was a prominent Spanish architect and urban planner who designed numerous buildings in Madrid, including the Plaza de España and parts of the Retiro Park. Another notable figure is María Isabel Picazo García-Moreno (born 1954), a Spanish actress known for her roles in television series such as "Cuéntame cómo pasó" and "Aída." Additionally, there is Juan Picazo y Barroso (1826-1873), a Spanish philosopher and writer who was part of the generation known as the 'Generation of 1841' in Spain. Lastly, Luis Picazo (born 1955) is a renowned Mexican artist, best known for his work in conceptual art. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and carries on the legacy of the Picazo surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Picazo

The surname Picazo originates from Spain and is a variation of Picas, which means "little picture" or "small painting." It is most commonly found in the Castile and León regions. Historically, the Picazo family has been associated with the Knights Templar during the Middle Ages, as documented by a Picazo Knight in the Order's 12th-century registry. Notable members of the Picazo family include Pedro Picazo y Barreto (1780–1853), a prominent Spanish lawyer, and Carlos Picazo (born 1964), a renowned contemporary Spanish architect. Over time, many branches and variations of the Picazo surname have emerged, including Picazo-Santos, Picazo-Villalba, and Picazo-García, among others. Genealogical records indicate that numerous Picazo descendants reside in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the United States, and other countries, reflecting the family's migration patterns over centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Picazo"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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