Last Name Rencurel

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rencurel

The meaning and origin of the last name Rencurel

The surname Rencurel is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Navarre in northern Spain and southern France. The name can be traced back to the medieval period when the Basque Country was home to various clans and families. "Ren-" is a common prefix in Basque surnames and likely derives from a personal name or a geographical feature such as a river, while "-curre" is a suffix often found in Basque surnames and means "bend", suggesting that the original bearer of this name may have lived near a bend or curved geographical feature. Over time, families with this name migrated to other parts of Europe, carrying their unique heritage with them. Today, the Rencurel surname can be found among Basque communities in Spain, France, and across the world where these communities have settled.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rencurel

The surname Rencurel is primarily concentrated in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and southern France, particularly in the regions of Jura, Doubs, and Ain, where it represents a significant proportion of the local population. Its presence can also be traced in the neighboring Franche-Comté region of eastern France. The name has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages, with many bearers being associated with the town of Rennes-le-Château in the Aude department of southern France. In recent times, the diaspora has led to the dispersal of individuals with this surname across various parts of Europe and North America, including Canada, the United States, and Switzerland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rencurel

The surname Rencurel is spelled with various nuances due to regional dialects and phonetic differences. Here are some common variations:

1. Rencurel - This is the standard Spanish spelling, originating from the Basque Country in Spain or southwestern France.
2. Renqueral - This variant can be found among families with a Basque heritage who use the traditional Basque orthography.
3. Renquirall - Another variation of the Basque spelling, this one being more common in France.
4. Renquerel - A less common spelling found primarily among families from the Spanish Basque region.
5. Rencorral - This variant might be due to misinterpretation or regional pronunciation differences and may not be as widely used.
6. Rincural, Rincural, or Rincuiral - These variants are phonetic adaptations of the name, appearing in records from Spanish-speaking countries where the "n" sound is often pronounced with a nasal quality.

Famous people with the last name Rencurel

One notable figure with the surname Rencurel is Juan Gabriel Rencoret, a Chilean professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for the Chile national team and Spanish club Levante UD. Known for his exceptional reflexes and agility, he represented Chile at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América tournaments. Another prominent individual with the same last name is Luis Felipe Rencoret, a Uruguayan professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Mexican club Club Tijuana. Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, he has represented the Uruguay national team at various youth levels and made his senior debut in 2015. Additionally, there is Carlos Rencoret, a Chilean writer, journalist, and politician who served as a senator between 2006 and 2018. He is known for his contributions to literature, particularly his novel "El Arte de la Guerra" which won the National Literature Prize in 1973.

Genealogical research on the last name Rencurel

The surname Rencurel originates from France, particularly the region of Auvergne. It is derived from the Old French word "renclo," meaning "recluse" or "hermit." This name was often given to individuals who lived in secluded areas or who may have been associated with a religious order. The first recorded spelling of the name can be traced back to the 13th century, with Jean Rencuriel appearing in Auvergne records during that time. As the French colonized various regions, including Quebec and Louisiana, many families bearing the surname Rencurel emigrated and established new settlements. In South America, particularly in Chile and Argentina, the name has been passed down through generations since the 16th century, when French explorers and settlers arrived. Today, descendants of the Rencurel family can be found across the world, particularly in France, North America, and South America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rencurel"
• 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 : 15 June 2025