Last Name Taracena

The surname Taracena is believed to have origins in Spain. It is derived from a place-name or a personal name, which was common among Iberian settlers in the Americas during the colonial period. The name could potentially be associated with Táraco, a town in Zaragoza, Aragon, Spain. However, it's essential to note that surnames have complex histories and can also change or evolve over time due to various factors like migration and regional dialects. For a more accurate origin, a genealogical research might be needed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Taracena

The meaning and origin of the last name Taracena

The surname Taracena is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Basque region of Spain or northern Mexico. It is believed to have originated as a place name, derived from the village or town of Tartagal or Tarazona, both located in the Aragon province of Spain. Over time, some inhabitants of these regions migrated and carried their surnames with them. In the Mexican context, it is also possible that the surname has an indigenous origin, as many Basque settlers intermarried with native populations. The surname Taracena is relatively uncommon but can be found in various Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico, Spain, and Argentina.

Geographical distribution of the last name Taracena

The surname Taracena has its roots primarily in Mexico and Spain. According to genealogical databases, a significant concentration of individuals bearing this name is found in the central-southern Mexican state of Puebla, particularly in cities like Puebla City, Cholula, and Cuautla. Smaller populations can also be traced in other parts of Mexico such as Mexico City, Jalisco, and Veracruz. The name's presence in Spain is more dispersed, with individuals from Taracena being found across various regions, including Castile-La Mancha, Galicia, and Catalonia. Additionally, small diaspora communities with the last name Taracena can be found in countries such as the United States, particularly in states with large Mexican populations like California, Texas, and Florida.

Variants and spellings of the last name Taracena

The surname Taracena can be spelled and variated in several ways due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration, or personal preference. Some common variations include:

* Tarazona
* Taracone
* Taraconas
* Taragonas
* Taragona
* Taraconza
* Taragonez

These variations may also appear with diacritical marks in some languages such as Spanish, Portuguese or French. It's important to note that the correct spelling can depend on the specific region and language where the name originated.

Famous people with the last name Taracena

Notable individuals with the surname Taracena include:

1. Carlos Taracena (born 1947), a Cuban ballet dancer who joined the American Ballet Theatre in 1968 and later became a principal dancer with New York City Ballet.
2. Guillermo Taracena (born 1950), a Honduran diplomat and politician who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2006 to 2009.
3. Juan José Taracena (born 1973), a Mexican musician, songwriter, and member of the band Caifanes, known for hits such as "Tiempo de morir" and "El viento."
4. Miguel Taracena (1820-1856), a Venezuelan military officer and political figure who played a key role in the federalist uprising against the centralist regime during the Federal War.
5. Victor Taracena (born 1968), a Paraguayan actor and musician known for his work in telenovelas such as "Soy Luna" and "El Señor de los Cielos."

Genealogical research on the last name Taracena

The Taracena surname is of Spanish origin and is believed to have roots in the Iberian Peninsula. Historical records suggest that the name may be derived from various places named Taracena, such as a village in the province of Zaragoza, Spain. The surname's migration to Mexico began during the colonial period, as many Spaniards settled in the New World. In Mexico, the name became widely distributed across multiple states due to intermarriage and population movements. Notable figures with the Taracena surname include Mexican politician Juan Taracena (1907-1954) and Guatemalan artist David Taracena (born 1963). The Taracena family tree is vast, with branches reaching across Mexico and other parts of Latin America. Genealogical research on the Taracena surname can be found in various archives, including civil, church, and military records in Spain and Mexico.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Taracena"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends