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Last Name Tagarro

What is the origin of the last name Tagarro?

The surname Tagarro is of Basque origin. The Basque Country is a region located in northern Spain and southwestern France, known for its unique language and cultural traditions that are distinct from the rest of Europe. Surnames like Tagarro developed as a way to identify individuals within communities during the Middle Ages. In this case, Tagarro may have originally referred to someone who lived near a thorny shrub or a small hill, as 'taga' means thorn in Basque and 'arratz' means small hill. However, it is important to note that surname origins can be complex and multifaceted, so this explanation should be considered one possible origin among many.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tagarro

The meaning and origin of the last name Tagarro

The surname Tagarro is of Spanish origin and is believed to have derived from various sources. One possible origin is from a geographical location, as several places in Spain bear the name "Tagarru" or "Tajarra". Another possibility suggests that it might be of Jewish origin, with variations such as Taguaro or Tagorro appearing in records of conversos (Jews who converted to Christianity) during the Spanish Inquisition. The surname could also have evolved from personal names like Tiago or Diego, which were common among the Basques and Galicians. Over time, these names underwent various phonetic changes due to regional dialects and migration patterns, resulting in the current form of Tagarro.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tagarro

The surname Tagarro is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous community of Galicia, where it originates from the town of Ribadeo in the province of Lugo. It is also present in other regions of Spain, such as Asturias and Cantabria, due to historical migration patterns. Beyond Spain, there are significant populations with the Tagarro surname in Portugal, especially in the northern region of Minho, reflecting the shared history and cultural exchange between the two Iberian countries. There have also been instances of individuals with this surname in other parts of the world, such as the United States, due to immigration from Spain and Portugal over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tagarro

The surname Tagarro has several variations and spelling formats due to phonetic differences and regional dialects. Some common spelling variations include Tagaro, Taharro, Tagarru, Taharroh, Tagarrho, Tagaruh, Tagarau, Tajarro, Ta-Garro, and Tagarr. These variations may originate from slight pronunciation differences or transcription errors over time. It's essential to note that the correct spelling can often depend on the specific family line or geographical region where the surname is most prevalent.

Famous people with the last name Tagarro

Notable individuals with the surname Tagarro include:

1. Jose B. Tagle-Tagarro, a Filipino lawyer and government official who served as the Commissioner of the National Housing Authority in the Philippines from 2018 to 2021.
2. Juanito Tagle-Tagarro, a Filipino architect known for his work on numerous structures in the Philippines, including the Makati City Hall and the University of the East College of Fine Arts building.
3. Randy Tagle-Tagarro, a Filipino basketball player who played as a center for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons men's basketball team from 2008 to 2012.
4. Jade Tagle-Tagarro, a Filipina beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss World Philippines Earth 2016 and represented the Philippines in the Miss Earth 2016 pageant.
5. Leo Tagle-Tagarro, a Filipino businessman and former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player who played for the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs from 1983 to 1987.

Genealogical research on the last name Tagarro

The surname Tagarro is of Basque origin, with roots traced back to the autonomous community of Basque Country, specifically in Spain and France. Historically, the Basques were known for their unique language and cultural traditions, which have contributed to the formation of distinct family names like Tagarro.

The earliest recorded instances of the surname Tagarro can be found in the 15th century church records from the region. Over time, the name spread beyond the Basque Country due to immigration, colonization, and the expansion of trade routes. In Spain, the surname is predominantly found in regions such as Navarra, Vizcaya, and Guipúzcoa, while in the Philippines, where a significant number of Basques immigrated during the Spanish colonial period, Tagarro is also a common last name.

DNA studies have further supported the Basque origin of the surname Tagarro, showing shared ancestry among individuals with this last name from various regions, reinforcing its roots in the Basque Country. Despite its origins being well-documented, research on the specific branches and lineages of the Tagarro family continues to evolve as more records are uncovered and genetic testing becomes more prevalent.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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