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Last Name Pichis

What is the origin of the last name Pichis?

The surname Pichis does not have a clearly identifiable single origin. It is believed to be of Basque origin, a region spanning parts of Spain and France, where many unique surnames have arisen over centuries. However, it may also be found in other regions, particularly in Latin America, due to migration patterns and the blending of cultures. Its exact origin and meaning remain unclear as it is not recorded in most standard dictionaries of Basque surnames.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pichis

The meaning and origin of the last name Pichis

The surname Pichis is primarily of Spanish origin, though it may also be found in other Hispanic communities around the world. The name derives from various sources, one of which is the diminutive form of "Pedro," a popular given name in Spain and Portugal meaning "son of Peter." Another possible origin lies in topographical or geographical place names, where the surname could have been originally associated with a location marked by pine trees (Spanish: pinos) or rocks (Spanish: picos). Over time, these occupational, locative, or habitational surnames evolved into hereditary ones. The surname Pichis may also appear in various spellings due to phonetic and orthographic changes over centuries, such as Picis, Pichés, or Pichés López.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pichis

The surname Pichis is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in Spain and various regions of South America, such as Peru, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, due to historical immigration patterns from those areas. In Spain, it is most common in the autonomous community of Galicia, reflecting its Celtic roots. In South America, it has a significant presence in coastal areas and urban centers, particularly Lima (Peru) and Buenos Aires (Argentina). Additionally, smaller populations can be found in other parts of the world where these countries have immigrant communities, such as the United States, Canada, and various European countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pichis

The surname Pichis can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time and across regions. Here are some common spelling variants:

* Pichés
* Piches
* Pichez
* Pichès
* Piché
* Pichais
* Pichace
* Pichacez
* Pichaisse
* Pichasse
* Pichazo

These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, historical spelling changes, and errors in transcription. It's also worth noting that some individuals might intentionally alter the spelling of their surname for personal reasons or cultural identity.

Famous people with the last name Pichis

The Pichis surname is less common among renowned figures compared to some others, but there are still significant individuals bearing this name. One notable figure is Alejandro Pichis Gimeno, a Spanish actor known for his roles in various Spanish TV shows and films since the 1970s. In sports, Juan Pablo Pichis Navarro is a Chilean footballer who has played professionally for clubs like Cobreloa, Universidad Católica, and Deportes Antofagasta. In academia, Dr. Jorge Pichis is an Argentine researcher specializing in theoretical physics, particularly in the field of string theory and quantum gravity. Additionally, Maria Elena Pichis, an Italian physicist, was a member of the Italian Space Agency's first astronaut selection group. These individuals demonstrate a diverse range of accomplishments across various fields, from entertainment to academia and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Pichis

The surname Pichis originates from the Basque region, specifically in the Spanish provinces of Navarre and Gipuzkoa. It is derived from the toponymic place names Picus or Pitius, meaning "peak" or "hill" in Basque. The name has been recorded since the Middle Ages, with one of the earliest documented instances being Juan Martinez de Picis, who lived in Navarre during the 16th century. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of Spain and even to South America as a result of migration. Notable individuals bearing this name include Juan Pichis, a Spanish composer, and Eduardo Pichis, a Uruguayan physician. The Pichis family crest features three peaks on a blue background, symbolizing the mountainous origins of the surname.

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 : 25 July 2025

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