Last Name Quichimbo

The surname Quichimbo is of Spanish origin. It derived from a place-name, likely a town or region named Quichimbo in Spain during the Middle Ages when the practice of using regional and local identifiers as surnames began. The name itself may have various origins, such as from the Visigothic Quisquimalb or Moorish Alquizamal, which mean something like "the big hill" or "abundant water." However, it is essential to note that the exact origin of any specific surname can be challenging to determine due to the complex history and evolution of names over centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quichimbo

The meaning and origin of the last name Quichimbo

The surname Quichimbo is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the Quechua language, which was primarily spoken by the indigenous people of the Incan Empire in South America. Specifically, the name is derived from the Quechua word "Quishwambi" or "Quisquibamba," meaning "place of the corn field" or "land of maize."

During the Spanish Conquest of the Americas, many indigenous people were forced to adopt Spanish surnames as part of the colonization process. The name Quichimbo, along with similar Quechua-derived names, was a way for these individuals to keep some connection to their ancestral roots while also adopting the new European naming system imposed by the conquistadors. Today, the surname Quichimbo can be found among descendants of the indigenous population in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quichimbo

The surname Quichimbo is predominantly found in South America, particularly in countries like Peru and Chile, due to historical reasons linked to indigenous populations or early European settlers. In Peru, it is most prevalent in regions such as Ayacucho, Cusco, Junín, and Lima. In Chile, the concentration of this surname is highest in Antofagasta and Arica y Parinacota regions, close to the border with Peru. While it is less common elsewhere, small communities carrying the Quichimbo name can be found across South America, as well as in immigrant communities in various countries worldwide. Its geographical distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of indigenous Andean populations and subsequent European colonization.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quichimbo

The surname Quichimbo can have various spellings and variations due to differences in phonetics, transliteration, and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Quijimbo, Quichimbó, Quichimboo, Quichimba, and Quichimboa. The name may also be found as Quichimbos, Quichimбо's, or Quichimbo's in plural or possessive forms. Additionally, it can be transliterated from other languages such as Kwichimbo (Cree), Qwitsimbo (Tlingit), or similar variations based on cultural heritage. It is important to note that the correct spelling of any surname depends on its historical origin and usage by the individual bearer.

Famous people with the last name Quichimbo

Notable individuals with the surname Quichimbo include:

1. Jorge Quichimbo (born 1937), a prominent Chilean economist and politician who served as Minister of Finance under President Patricio Aylwin. He was instrumental in implementing economic reforms that transformed Chile's economy during the transition to democracy in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

2. Jorge Quichimbo López (born 1963), a Mexican economist, academic, and diplomat who served as Mexico's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2015 to 2018. He has also held positions within the Mexican government, including Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Rodrigo Quichimbo (born 1973), a Chilean actor known for his roles in television series such as "Los Archivos del Tesoro" and "Perdona nuestros pecados." He has also appeared in numerous films, including "La Frontera" and "El Regreso de Los Archivos del Tesoro."

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and demonstrate the versatility of the Quichimbo surname across various professions.

Genealogical research on the last name Quichimbo

The surname Quichimbo originates from the Basque region in Spain, particularly the provinces of Gipuzkoa and Navarre. It is one of several Spanish surnames that have their roots in the Basque language. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing variations such as Quizquimbe, Quizquibo, and Quizquimbia in Basque documents from the 14th century. Over time, the spelling evolved due to phonetic changes and assimilation into other languages. Notable bearers of this surname include Spanish politician José de Quichambo y Ibarguren and Spanish painter José María Quichardo y Mateu. The family lineage expands across Spain and South America, with significant settlements in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay due to historical migration patterns.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quichimbo"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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