Last Name Rodriguez-marquina

The surname "Rodriguez-Marquina" appears to be a composite surname, formed by combining two distinct Spanish surnames: "Rodriguez" and "Marquina." The base surname "Rodriguez" originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain. It is derived from the given name Rodrigo, which was a popular name among the Visigoths before the Muslim conquest of Hispania in the 8th century. When the Moors invaded, many Christians converted to Christianity or fled northward, taking their names with them. Thus, the surname "Rodriguez" became widespread throughout Christian Spain. The surname "Marquina," on the other hand, is of Basque origin and was likely a topographic name derived from the word "marki" or "marqui," meaning "small plain" or "hill." It may have referred to someone who lived near such a geographical feature. Like many Basque surnames, it may predate the Christian era and is associated with the unique linguistic and cultural traditions of the Basques, an ethnic group primarily residing in northern Spain and southwestern France. The combination of "Rodriguez" and "Marquina" suggests that a bearer of this name likely had ancestors from both areas of Spain—possibly with roots in Christian Castile (where Rodriguez is common) and the Basque Country—and at some point, these family lines merged.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Rodriguez-marquina

The meaning and origin of the last name Rodriguez-marquina

The surname Rodríguez-Marquina is a combination of two Spanish patronymics, reflecting its origins in Spain. "Rodríguez" is derived from the Visigothic personal name "Theuderich," which evolved into "Rodrigo" in Spanish. Over time, this surname was given to individuals who were descendants of Rodrigo. On the other hand, "Marquina" comes from the medieval title "marqués," meaning marquis, and was likely used as a surname by someone who held this title or whose ancestor did. The combined name, Rodríguez-Marquina, suggests that the bearer is either a descendant of a Rodrigo who was a marquis or a family that originated from Marquina, a town in Spain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Rodriguez-marquina

The surname Rodriguez-Marquina is predominantly distributed across Spain and Latin America, particularly in countries with historical connections to Spain such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking nations in South America like Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru. Within Spain, the highest concentrations of this surname can be found in the northern autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Basque Country, reflecting its potential origins from these regions. The name Rodriguez is a common Spanish patronymic derived from the given name Rodrigo, while Marquina could have originated from various places named "Marquina" in Spain or may indicate a family of marqueses (marchers or noblemen) in the Middle Ages. This surname also appears in other parts of Europe, notably in Portugal and France, due to historical migration patterns and name adaptation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Rodriguez-marquina

The surname Rodriguez-Marquina has various spelling and pronunciation variations due to differences in regional dialects, translation errors, and personal preferences. Some common variants include:

* Rodrigues-Marquina (Portuguese variant)
* Rodríguez de Marquina (Spanish formal variant)
* Rodriguez y Marquina (Spanish informal variant)
* Rodrigues Marquina (without the hyphen, a common practice in some regions and languages)
* RodriguezMarquina (all words combined, commonly used in digital contexts)
* Rodriguez-Marquina (the most standardized form, with the hyphen between the two surnames).

The correct spelling of the name can depend on the original region or country of origin, personal preference, or historical documentation. It is always best to consult the individual or their family records for the most accurate spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Rodriguez-marquina

Notable individuals sharing the last name Rodriguez-Marquina include:

1. Juan Rodríguez Marquina (1943-2017), a renowned Spanish composer and pianist who is considered one of the most significant figures in contemporary classical music. His works have been performed by numerous international orchestras and ensembles.

2. José María Rodríguez Marquina (born 1956), a Spanish politician and member of the People's Party (PP). He served as Minister of Health and Social Policy under the government of José María Aznar from 2000 to 2004.

3. José Rodríguez de Marquina y Maldonado (1765-1837), a Spanish military officer who played an important role in the Peninsular War against Napoleon Bonaparte's forces. He later became the governor of Cuba and served as a senator in Spain.

4. Rafael Rodríguez Marquina (born 1950), a Spanish film director, screenwriter, and producer who has worked on over 70 films since his debut in 1972. His most notable works include "La tregua" and "El lute: camina o revienta."

These individuals have contributed significantly to various fields such as music, politics, and film in Spain and beyond.

Genealogical research on the last name Rodriguez-marquina

The surname Rodriguez-Marquina has roots in both Spain and Mexico, with variations stemming from various regions over time. In Spain, the Marquina surname originated in the Basque Country and dates back to the 13th century. The name is associated with the noble family of Marquina de Jaén, which played a significant role in the Reconquista (the Christian reconquest of Iberia from the Moors). The Rodriguez part of the surname, meaning "son of Rodrigo," is common throughout Spain and Portugal.

In Mexico, the combination of these two surnames may be due to immigration during the colonial period. The Spanish conquest brought many settlers to the New World, some of whom carried dual surnames. Rodriguez-Marquina could have been created as a result of this practice, with Rodriguez being the original surname and Marquina added later for various reasons such as recognition of noble status or in honor of a family member.

The Rodriguez-Marquina lineage can be found throughout Mexico, particularly in regions with heavy Spanish influence like Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Michoacán. The surname's global distribution includes other Spanish-speaking countries, reflecting the historical connections between these nations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "rodriguez-marquina"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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