Last Name Ricaurte

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ricaurte

The meaning and origin of the last name Ricaurte

The surname Ricaurte is of Spanish origin and is derived from a place name or a title. It is believed to have roots in the medieval Iberian Peninsula, specifically in the kingdom of León where a town named Ricórtez can be found. The surname may also be associated with the title 'ricohombre', meaning a wealthy or powerful man in Old Spanish. Over time, variations such as Ricaurto, Riquerte, and Riquarte emerged due to spelling discrepancies during migration or transcription. It was eventually brought to the New World by Spanish settlers, with notable bearers of this surname hailing from Colombia and other South American countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ricaurte

The last name Ricaurte is predominantly found in Colombia and neighboring countries, particularly Ecuador and Venezuela, due to the region's historical ties and migration patterns. The highest concentrations of individuals bearing this surname are in various departments of Colombia, such as Antioquia, Cundinamarca, and Tolima, reflecting a strong association with these regions. Smaller populations can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries and regions, including Spain and the United States, largely due to migration over the past few decades. In the international context, Ricaurte is not among the most common surnames but holds significant cultural significance within Colombian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ricaurte

The surname Ricaurte has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Ricourte, Ricourt, Rikaurte, Riakourte, and Riquerte. These variations may arise from phonetic changes or errors during the immigration process. Additionally, the name could have originated from different regions, leading to regional variations. For instance, in some Spanish-speaking countries, the name might be spelled with an accent on the second 'a', as Ricaurte' (Ricáurte). However, without context, it is impossible to definitively determine all possible variations of this surname.

Famous people with the last name Ricaurte

Notable individuals with the surname Ricaurte include:

1. Luis Carlos Ricaurte (born 1947), a Colombian diplomat who served as Ambassador to Spain and Portugal, and Permanent Representative to UNESCO and OAS.

2. Diego Ricaurte (born 1980), a Colombian former professional footballer who played as a forward for teams like Atlético Nacional, Deportivo Cali, and the Colombia national team.

3. Juan David Ricaurte (born 1964), a Colombian musician, composer, and singer-songwriter known for his work in genres such as vallenato, rock, and pop.

4. Ana Maria Ricaurte, a Colombian economist who served as the Minister of Finance and Public Credit from 2018 to 2019.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including diplomacy, sports, music, and economics in Colombia and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Ricaurte

The Ricaurte surname is predominantly found in Colombia and has roots that trace back to the Spanish colonial period. One of the earliest known records of the Ricaurte family dates back to the 16th century, with Don Juan de Ricaurte who was granted land by the Spanish Crown during the colonization of South America. Over time, the name spread throughout Colombia and neighboring regions, with variations such as Ricaute, Ricauta, and Ricauti also appearing. The Ricaurtes played significant roles in Colombian history, with notable members including General Ricardo Ricaurte Restrepo, who fought for Colombian independence, and President Carlos Lleras Restrepo, whose term spanned from 1964 to 1970. Genealogical records suggest that the family's lineage includes several prominent Colombian figures, making the Ricaurte surname an important part of Colombia's history and heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ricaurte"
• 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 : 24 July 2025