Last Name Recalde

The surname Recalde is of Basque origin, specifically from the province of Guipuzcoa in the Basque Country, a region located in northern Spain and southwestern France. The name Recalde is believed to have derived from the toponym Recalde, which can be found in various towns within the Basque region. In Basque, "rekalde" translates to "new settlement" or "farmstead". Like many Basque surnames, it is patronymic and indicates that the original bearer lived near a new or notable farmstead.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Recalde

The meaning and origin of the last name Recalde

The surname Recalde is of Basque origin, traceable to the ancient region of the Basque Country, spanning parts of Spain and France. It is derived from the Basque word "rekalden" or "rekalde," meaning "hillside" in English. The name was often given to someone who lived on a hillside or near a slope, indicating geographical features that were significant to early Basque communities. Over time, as Basques migrated and settled in other regions, the surname Recalde became more widespread throughout Spain, South America, and other parts of the world with a Basque presence. Today, it remains a common Basque surname, reflecting the region's rich history and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Recalde

The surname Recalde is primarily distributed across South America, with a significant concentration in Uruguay and Argentina. In Uruguay, it ranks among the top 200 most common surnames, according to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística de Uruguay (INE). In Argentina, it appears more frequently in the northern provinces of Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán, and Catamarca, as well as in Buenos Aires. Additionally, small populations bearing the Recalde surname can be found in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country, and in other Spanish-speaking countries such as Mexico and Cuba. The name is derived from the Spanish word "recalde," meaning a dweller on the seashore or a landholder, suggesting an early origin along coastal areas or major waterways.

Variants and spellings of the last name Recalde

The surname Recalde has several variations and spellings due to differences in pronunciation, transliteration, and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Recaldé, Recaldey, Recalday, Recalte, Recalti, Rekalde, Rekalty, Recault, Recaide, and Rekhaldt (in Basque or Spanish-speaking regions where surnames have been phonetically transcribed into other languages). Additionally, it is possible for individuals from different countries to spell the name differently based on local conventions, such as using a double "c" in English-speaking countries. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily imply a familial connection between individuals bearing different spellings of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Recalde

The Recalde family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Juan Antonio Recalde, a Uruguayan politician who served as the Minister of Defense and Interior during the presidency of José Mujica. Recalde was instrumental in implementing policies aimed at reducing corruption and drug trafficking in Uruguay.

Another significant figure from this family is Luis Alberto de Herrera y Recalde, a Spanish colonial administrator. He served as the Governor of Puerto Rico from 1764 to 1779 during the Bourbon Reforms era, playing a crucial role in establishing the Royal Prague Academy, which focused on improving education and infrastructure in the colony.

Lastly, Francisco Recalde was an Argentine musician and composer, known for his work in tango music. He composed numerous tangos, including "La Morocha", "Alfonsina y el mar", and "El pato de las trincheras", which gained popularity across Latin America. His compositions were performed by renowned artists such as Carlos Gardel and Azucena Maizani. These individuals highlight the diverse accomplishments and influence of those bearing the last name Recalde.

Genealogical research on the last name Recalde

The surname Recalde originates from the Basque region, specifically in the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Navarra, in northern Spain and southern France. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with documented instances as early as the 13th century. One of the earliest known bearers was Pedro Recalde de Oteiza, who lived in the 13th century in the village of Oteiza, Navarra. The name is believed to have derived from the Basque term "rekalde," which translates to "small hill" or "mound." Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the surname have varied due to regional dialects and migration patterns. Notable individuals with the Recalde surname include Francisco Javier Recalde (1785-1842), a Spanish general who fought in the Peninsular War against Napoleon; and Juan Antonio Recalde (born 1964), a Uruguayan footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Club Nacional de Football. The Recalde family is known to have spread throughout Spain, South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Recalde"
• 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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