What is the origin of the last name Recarte?

The surname "Recarte" is a Spanish and Portuguese patronymic surname derived from the given name "Rodrigo," which comes from the Visigothic "Rodiger," composed of the elements "hrod" meaning "fame, glory" and "-iger" meaning "spear-fighter." The surname evolved through various forms such as Recart, Recarta, and Recartes in different regions over time.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Recarte

The meaning and origin of the last name Recarte

The surname Recarte is primarily found in Portugal and Spain, with origins traceable to the Iberian Peninsula. The name derives from the Old Portuguese word "recarte," which means "to carve" or "sculpt." This surname may have been originally occupational, referring to a craftsman who specialized in woodcarving or stone sculpting. Over time, as family lineages were formed and migration occurred, variations of the name emerged such as Recartes, De Recarte, and others. The name Recarte is an intriguing example of how professions and trades could influence the formation of surnames in medieval Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Recarte

The surname Recarte is primarily concentrated in Portugal and Brazil, due to historical reasons related to migration patterns. In Portugal, it is most prevalent in the northern regions, particularly in the districts of Vila Real, Braga, and Porto, suggesting origins possibly linked to these areas. In Brazil, the name is commonly found in the state of São Paulo, which has a significant Portuguese immigrant population from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's also found in other South American countries with large Portuguese-descended populations, such as Argentina and Uruguay, although less frequently compared to Portugal and Brazil. The name's distribution elsewhere globally is relatively minimal.

Variants and spellings of the last name Recarte

The surname Recarte has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Recart, Recarth, Rekarte, Reckart, Reccard, Reccarte, and Rekkert. These variations may have arisen due to factors such as linguistic evolution, errors in recording or transcribing names, or cultural influences from different countries. Despite these differences, all of these surnames share the same root, which is believed to be derived from the Breton word "rek'h" meaning 'right.'

Famous people with the last name Recarte

Notable individuals with the surname Recarte include:

1. José Recarte (1946-2017), a Spanish football goalkeeper who played for Athletic Bilbao and the Spain national team, winning two European Cups and a World Cup.

2. Carlos Recarte (born 1964), a Spanish former professional road bicycle racer, who won stages in the Vuelta a España, Giro d'Italia, and Tour de France during his career.

3. Eduardo Recarte (born 1973), a Spanish former football player who spent the majority of his career at Real Sociedad, where he played as a defender. He also represented the Spain national team in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

4. María Jesús "Maju" Recarte (born 1981), a Spanish actress and television presenter, best known for her work on various television series such as "Amar en tiempos revueltos" and "La que se avecina".

Genealogical research on the last name Recarte

The surname Recarte is primarily found in Portugal and its origin is believed to be from the city of Coimbra. The name is derived from the occupation of a miller or someone who worked at a flour mill, as "moinho" means mill in Portuguese. In the 15th century, during the Age of Discoveries, many Recartes emigrated to Brazil due to economic and religious reasons. Some prominent figures with this surname include João de Recarte, a Portuguese Jesuit missionary who was among the first European settlers in Brazil, and Manuel Recarte, a 17th-century Portuguese priest and scholar. The Recarte family is also known for their contributions to the arts, particularly in music and literature, throughout Portuguese history. Today, the Recarte family can be found worldwide with significant populations in Portugal, Brazil, and other countries with Portuguese descent.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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