Last Name Regaña

The surname Regaña has its origins in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain. It is a toponymic surname, which means it was originally given to someone who lived near a place called Regaña. The root word "Regaña" is thought to be derived from the Latin term "regio", meaning region or territory, indicating that the original bearer of this name may have lived in an area that was once part of a larger region or territory. The name has been documented in various regions of Spain since the Middle Ages.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Regaña

The meaning and origin of the last name Regaña

The surname Regaña is of Spanish origin, specifically from the northern region of Cantabria and Asturias. It derives from the Old Celtic word "Rega", which means "king" or "ruler". The suffix "-ña" in Spanish indicates female lineage, making Regaña a variant of male surnames like Regalado, Reguera, or Rey, all referring to "the king's descendant." Over time, the spelling has evolved due to phonetic changes and regional variations. The name has been borne by notable figures in Spanish history such as José Regaña y Rodríguez de Larramendi, a 19th-century politician and writer, highlighting its significance in Spain's cultural and political landscape.

Geographical distribution of the last name Regaña

The last name Regaña is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Cantabria and surrounding regions like Asturias, Basque Country, and Castile-Leon. Historically, this surname is believed to have originated from the town of Regalada in Cantabria. A significant number of Regaña descendants can also be found in other Spanish provinces as well as in immigrant communities in places like Argentina, United States, Canada, and Australia. The distribution of the last name Regaña outside of Spain is primarily due to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries for economic opportunities. In recent times, the presence of this surname has expanded globally with the increasing global mobility of people and the ease of communication in the digital age.

Variants and spellings of the last name Regaña

The surname Regaña, while predominantly found in Spain, has several spelling variations due to phonetic differences, transliteration from other languages, or regional dialects. These variations include: Regano, Reganao, Reganó, Regañao, Reganyo, Reganeo, Regaño, and Regayno. Each of these versions can be traced back to the original Spanish form "Regaña," which is derived from a medieval personal name "Raimundo" or "Ramón," meaning "protector" in Latin. The surname Regaña is primarily found in the provinces of Burgos, Palencia, and León, though it can be found sporadically across Spain.

Famous people with the last name Regaña

The Regaña family has produced several notable figures across various fields. Among them is Juan Antonio Samaranch y Regaña (1920-2010), who served as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 1980 to 2001, playing a pivotal role in expanding and modernizing the Olympics. Another significant figure is Vicente Aleixandre y Regaña (1898-1984), a Spanish poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1977 for his rich and complex works that reflect his deep humanism and social commitment. Lastly, Ana Regaña, born in 1965, is a well-known Spanish actress known for her roles in popular television series such as 'El internado' and 'La chica de ayer'. These individuals exemplify the diverse talents and achievements that can be found within the Regaña family.

Genealogical research on the last name Regaña

The surname Regaña has its origins in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. Historically, many Basque families, including those bearing the Regaña name, have preserved their unique toponymic surnames, which often originate from specific villages or regions.

Regarding the Regaña lineage, it is believed that the first known bearer of this surname was Juan Regaña, who lived in the Basque village of Berganzo in the 14th century. His descendants migrated to other regions within Spain during the following centuries.

In particular, the Regaña family from Cantabria, a region in northern Spain, has been well-documented. One notable member was Juan de Regaña y Hontanar (1570 - 1626), a prominent figure who served as both a captain and governor in the Spanish army during the early 17th century.

The Regaña lineage also expanded to other parts of Spain, with various branches appearing in regions such as Castile-León, Galicia, and Aragon. The surname has also been found among Basque emigrants in South America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay. Today, the Regaña name continues to be common among Basques and their descendants worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Regaña"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends