What is the origin of the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte?

The surname Saenz-De-Ugarte is of Spanish origin and has its roots in the Basque region of Spain. The name combines two separate surnames: "Saenz" which is a common Basque surname derived from the given name Sancho, and "De Ugarte", a location-based surname indicating someone from the town or area of Ugarte, also found in the Basque Country. This combined form signifies that the bearer of the name was originally from Saenz (or the area where the given name Sancho was common) and later moved to or was associated with Ugarte.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The meaning and origin of the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The surname Saénz de Ugarte is a Spanish noble title with both a geographical and historical significance. It originates from the Basque province of Navarre, specifically from the town of Ugarte, located on an island in the river Bidasoa, which serves as the natural border between Spain and France. The name "Saénz de Ugarte" combines two components: "Saénz," a common Basque surname derived from the personal name Sancho, and "de Ugarte," indicating origin from the town of Ugarte. Over time, this noble title was granted to various families in Navarre, who distinguished themselves through military service or political prominence. The Saénz de Ugarte family has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, with some branches still maintaining their titles and properties today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The surname Saenz-De-Ugarte is predominantly found in the Basque Country, which spans across northern Spain and southwestern France. It is among the most frequent Basque surnames, with a high concentration in the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Navarra in Spain. In France, it can be found primarily in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. The name's frequency suggests a long history within these regions, as many Basque families have maintained their original surnames over generations. Saenz-De-Ugarte is also present, albeit less frequently, in other Spanish provinces and regions beyond the Basque Country, such as Castile and Leon, Cantabria, and Madrid, due to migration patterns over centuries. It's worth noting that variations of the name may exist, such as Saenz de Ugarte or Sanz de Ugarte, reflecting regional differences in pronunciation and spelling conventions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The surname Saenz-De-Ugarte has several variants and spellings due to transliteration, regional dialects, and personal preference. Here are some common versions:

* Saenz de Ugarte
* Sainz de Ugarte
* Sanchez de Ugarte
* Saens de Ugarte (Spanish-Basque)
* Zainz de Ugarte (Basque spelling)
* Sains de Ugarte (French spelling)
* Saenz de Ugarte y Velasco (with a added patronymic)
* De Ugarte Saenz (reversing the order of the surnames, common in some countries like Argentina and Uruguay)
* De Ugarte Sáenz (Castilian Spanish spelling with an accent mark on the "a")

The first part, "Saenz" or "Sainz," is derived from the given name Sancho, while "De Ugarte" refers to a place of origin, Ugarte in Navarre, Spain. The Basque spelling "Zainz de Ugarte" reflects the pronunciation and spelling conventions of the Basque language. In French-speaking regions, the surname might be spelled as "Sains de Ugarte." Variations with added patronymics are common in Spanish naming customs where the child's given name follows the father's surname, such as Saenz de Ugarte y Velasco. Reversing the order of the surnames is a practice found in some countries like Argentina and Uruguay, resulting in De Ugarte Saenz or De Ugarte Sáenz. In some cases, the accent mark on the "a" may be added to reflect the original Spanish pronunciation (De Ugarte Sáenz).

Famous people with the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The Saenz-De-Ugarte family is known for producing several prominent figures across various fields. One of the most notable members is Jorge Saenz de Ugarte y Llanes (1867-1942), a Spanish Navy admiral who served as Minister of Marine and War in 1930 under the Second Spanish Republic. He played a significant role in the Battle of Santo Domingo during the Spanish-American War. Another notable figure is Jorge Saenz de Ugarte y Alzaga (1869-1952), a Spanish military officer who served as Minister of War under the regime of Miguel Primo de Rivera and was later appointed Military Governor of Melilla, Morocco. In the world of art, Victoriano Saenz de Ugarte y Fonseca (1864-1937) stands out. He was a Spanish painter who specialized in historical, religious, and genre scenes, as well as landscapes. Lastly, Maria del Carmen Saenz de Ugarte y López de Ayala (born 1952), a Spanish aristocrat, is known for her philanthropic work and social activism, particularly in promoting awareness and combating breast cancer.

Genealogical research on the last name Saenz-De-Ugarte

The surname Saenz-de-Ugarte is of Basque origin, stemming from the ancient region of Guipuzcoa in Spain and its neighboring territories in France. Specifically, the name can be traced back to the House of Ugarte, a noble family with roots in the Ugarte Castle near Saint Jean Pied de Port, France. The first known record of this family was Don Pedro Sanchez de Ugarte, who lived in the 14th century and held significant positions within the Spanish and French courts. Over time, the name evolved to Saenz-de-Ugarte as a result of marriages, lineage shifts, and the incorporation of additional noble titles. The family continued to produce distinguished members throughout history, including military leaders, politicians, and clergy in both Spain and Latin America. Today, variations of the surname can be found among Basque populations worldwide, with notable figures like Spanish footballer Xabi Alonso bearing the name.

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NomOrigine Team
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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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