Last Name Subira

The surname Subira has origins that can be traced back to several regions, as it is common in various cultures and languages. In Basque, a language spoken primarily in the Basque Country (a region spanning parts of Spain and France), the name Subira is derived from the place names Subijana and Zubieta. It's possible that some bearers of this surname may have ancestry in these areas. In Arabic, "Sebier" or "As-Sabri" means "the patient," indicating a possible origin for individuals with this last name from North African regions, where Arabic was historically prevalent. It's worth noting that the surname can also have various other origins and spellings depending on the country and region in question. However, it is essential to mention that many surnames evolve over time, so multiple origins are possible for the same name. A genealogical or historical research may be necessary to determine the specific origin of a particular Subira family.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Subira

The meaning and origin of the last name Subira

The surname Subira is primarily associated with Spain and Portugal, particularly in the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, and Galicia. It is derived from a place name or topographical feature, originating from the Old Spanish word "subida," meaning "ascent" or "incline." In medieval times, it was common for people to take their place names as surnames when they moved to new settlements or cities. Thus, Subira could have been given as a surname by someone who lived near or originated from an area with a steep incline or hill. Over time, variations of the name such as Suárez, Subiaco, and Subirats have also emerged in different parts of Spain and Portugal.

Geographical distribution of the last name Subira

The surname Subira has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, due to its Catalan origins. It is also found in other Spanish regions like Valencia, Aragon, and Castile-La Mancha, reflecting the historical migration patterns within the country. Outside of Spain, there are significant populations of people with the last name Subira in various parts of South America, primarily Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Colombia, as a result of Spanish immigration during the colonial era. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in countries with large Spanish-speaking populations, such as the United States, Puerto Rico, and Equatorial Guinea.

Variants and spellings of the last name Subira

The surname Subira has several variants and spellings across different regions and cultures. Here are some of them:

1. Subira - This is the most common spelling of the name, originating from Spain.
2. Subiera - A variation that might be found in Spanish-speaking countries.
3. Subyra - An alternative English spelling.
4. Subirá - The Catalan and Valencian version of the surname.
5. Subyraa - A possible variation in some Indian languages where 'aa' represents a long 'a' sound.
6. Subira-Bernabe, Subira-Garcia, or other combinations - These are common when a person has both a patronymic surname (from their father's name) and a matronymic surname (from their mother's name).
7. Sobirá, Zubyra - Variations that may occur due to phonetic changes over time or different regional dialects.
8. Suibhra, Suibhyrach - Gaelic variations found in Ireland.

Famous people with the last name Subira

The Subira surname is notably associated with two distinguished individuals:

1. Juan Subirats i Estany (1867-1936), a Spanish anarchist and one of the leaders of the CNT trade union during the Spanish Revolution. He was executed by Franco's forces in 1936.

2. Abdellatif Subira (born 1985), a Tunisian footballer who played for the Tunisian national team as a goalkeeper and participated in the 2006 African Cup of Nations. He currently plays for ES Zarzis in Tunisia's Ligue Professionnelle 1.

Both individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, with Juan Subirats playing a pivotal role in Spanish anarchism during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War, and Abdellatif Subira excelling in Tunisian football.

Genealogical research on the last name Subira

The Subira surname originates from Spain and is primarily found in regions such as Catalonia and Galicia. According to genealogical records, the name Subira can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest known documentation dating to the 11th century. It derives from the Old Occitan word "subir" meaning 'to climb' or 'go up'. The name was often given to individuals who lived near a steep hill or a place that offered a good viewpoint. Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the Subira surname have made significant contributions in various fields. In the 16th century, the Subira family played an important role in the political and economic life of Barcelona, Spain. Today, the Subira name remains common among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Subira"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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