Last Name Pizarro

The surname Pizarro is of Spanish origin, particularly associated with the Old Castilian region of Spain. It is derived from the medieval occupational name "picaza" or "picazar", meaning a butcher or meat seller in Old Castilian dialect. One of the most famous individuals with this last name was Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century, which resulted in the establishment of Spanish rule in Peru. The success and notoriety of Francisco Pizarro and his descendants contributed significantly to the spread and popularization of the name Pizarro across the Spanish-speaking world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pizarro

The meaning and origin of the last name Pizarro

The surname Pizarro is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Castilian region in Spain. It is derived from the occupational name "pizarrus," which refers to a maker or seller of chalk (in Old Castilian, "pizarra" means 'slate' or 'chalk'). The name is believed to have been borne by people who were involved in the production and trade of this material. Notable bearers of this surname include Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador famous for his conquest of the Inca Empire in South America during the 16th century. The name has since spread globally due to Spanish colonization and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pizarro

The last name Pizarro is primarily distributed across Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Peru and Spain, due to its historical origins. In Peru, it is one of the most common surnames, reflecting the significant influence of the Spanish conquerors in the region. Notably, Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that conquered the Inca Empire in the 16th century, bears this surname. The name also appears in Spain, where it may have originated before being carried to the Americas. Additionally, small populations of individuals with the last name Pizarro can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Argentina, Mexico, and Cuba, as a result of migration and colonial history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pizarro

The surname Pizarro has several variants and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common versions include Pizarró, Pizarro y Zúñiga, Pizarro y Figueroa, and Pizarro y Maldonado. These variations often arise when a name is passed down through generations or when it is translated into other languages. For example, in Portuguese, the surname might appear as Pizarro or Pizarrão, while in Italian it could be Pizzarro or Pizarro. Additionally, some bearers of the name may have added honorifics such as Don or Dña, particularly in Spanish-speaking regions, resulting in names like Don Pizarro or Dña Pizarro. It is essential to consider these variations when researching genealogy or conducting historical studies involving this surname.

Famous people with the last name Pizarro

Francisco Pizarro (1471-1541), a Spanish conquistador, is arguably the most renowned figure with the surname Pizarro. Born in Trujillo, Spain, he led an expedition that conquered the Incan Empire in South America during the early 16th century. Pizarro's forces defeated the Inca emperor Atahualpa at the Battle of Cajamarca in 1532, and later seized Cusco, the Incan capital. After establishing Lima as the new capital of Peru, Pizarro was assassinated by a group of discontented colonists in 1541.

Another notable figure with the last name Pizarro is Hernando Pizarro (died 1536), Francisco's younger brother. He also participated in the conquest of the Incan Empire and was one of the founders of Lima. Gonzalo Pizarro (1475-1548), another sibling, led rebellions against Spanish authority after their father's death, eventually being captured and executed for treason.

Lastly, Alonso de Pizarro (1509-1541) was a brother of Francisco and Gonzalo. He played an important role in the conquest of the Incan Empire, particularly in the capture of Cusco, and later served as governor of that city. However, he was killed in battle by Inca rebels in 1541.

Genealogical research on the last name Pizarro

The surname Pizarro originates from Spain and is associated with several prominent figures in history. The most renowned member of the Pizarro family is Francisco Pizarro, a Spanish conquistador who led the conquest of the Inca Empire in the 16th century. He was born into a modestly wealthy family in Trujillo, Spain around 1471. His lineage can be traced back to Juan Martínez Pinzón, an explorer who took part in Christopher Columbus' first voyage to the Americas. The Pizarro family's success and wealth grew significantly following Francisco's conquest of the Inca Empire, leading to the establishment of Lima, Peru, as the capital city of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Today, descendants of the Pizarro family can be found worldwide, particularly in Spain and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pizarro"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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