Last Name Socarras

The surname Socarras has its roots in Spain. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name "Socorro," which means help or aid in Spanish. Over time, it evolved to the more common form, Socarras. It is most prevalent in regions such as Catalonia and Aragon. The name may also be associated with the occupation of a healer or someone who provided aid during times of need due to its connection to "Socorro."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Socarras

The meaning and origin of the last name Socarras

The surname Socarras is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Old Occitan word "socar," which means "charcoal." This name was likely given to someone who worked with charcoal, such as a blacksmith or a charcoal burner. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms including Socarrás, Socarra, and Socarras, depending on regional variations and personal preferences. The surname is most commonly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and Aragon, but also in other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Socarras

The surname Socarras is primarily concentrated in Spain, particularly in the eastern regions, with the highest concentrations found in the provinces of Barcelona and Valencia. This name, derived from the occupational surname "el socar", which refers to a worker who removes ashes from a fireplace or oven, has its roots in Catalonia. Additionally, smaller clusters of people bearing this last name can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Equatorial Guinea, due to historical migrations. Outside Spain, the name Socarras is less common but may appear sporadically in other parts of the world, particularly among descendants of Spanish immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Socarras

The surname Socarras has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in regional pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Socaras, Socarra, Socarros, Socarras-Diaz, and Socarro. These variations may appear in different countries or regions where Spanish is spoken, such as Spain, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Additionally, some families have modified the spelling of their surnames for personal or historical reasons, leading to further variations. In genealogical research, it's essential to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with this last name.

Famous people with the last name Socarras

Among the notable individuals with the surname Socarrás are:

1. Agustín Socarrás (born 1962), a Cuban professional baseball player who played as an outfielder for several Major League Baseball teams between 1987 and 2003.

2. Jorge Socarrás (1903-1987), a Spanish composer, conductor, and pianist known for his work in film scores, operas, and ballets.

3. José Socarrás (born 1946), a Cuban musician and composer who has played an instrumental role in the development of timba music.

4. José Manuel Socarrás González (born 1972), a Spanish politician from the People's Party, serving as a member of the European Parliament since 2019.

5. Raúl Socarrás (born 1968), a Cuban former volleyball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics and won two gold medals at the Pan American Games.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, spanning music, sports, and politics.

Genealogical research on the last name Socarras

The surname Socarras originates from the Spanish-speaking world and has various spelling variations such as Soçarras, Socarros, and Socarrás. One of the earliest documented references of this name can be traced back to Catalonia, Spain in the 13th century with the lineage of the Barons of Pallars Sobirà, where Guillem Socarrat was mentioned in a document from 1275. The name also appears in the Kingdom of Aragon and the Balearic Islands during the Middle Ages. In the New World, the Socarras family arrived in Cuba in the 16th century with Francisco de Socarrás who was a conquistador and Governor of Santiago de Cuba. Over time, various branches of the Socarras family migrated to other regions in Latin America, most notably Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "socarras"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends