Last Name Tejeda

The surname Tejeda has roots in Spain and is of Basque origin. It is derived from a place-name meaning "small stone wall" or "rocky outcrop." The name may have been occupational, indicating someone who lived near or worked on such a structure, or it could be topographical, referring to a location with rocky terrain. Over time, the surname has spread beyond its Basque origins and can now be found among Spanish-speaking populations around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tejeda

The meaning and origin of the last name Tejeda

The surname Tejeda is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "tejeda," which translates to "granite" or "rocky outcrop." It is most commonly found among people of Spanish and Hispanic descent. Historically, it was a topographical name for someone who lived near a rocky area or a place with granite formations. As with many Spanish surnames, the Tejeda family name likely evolved over time from an initial reference to a specific location to being adopted as a surname by various lineages. It is one of the most common last names in Spain and is also found among Spanish-speaking communities in Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tejeda

The surname Tejeda is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Mexico and Spain, due to its origins from these regions. In Mexico, it ranks among the top 3,000 most common surnames, with significant concentrations in the states of Puebla, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Veracruz. In Spain, it is more prevalent in regions such as Andalusia, Canary Islands, and Valencia. Additionally, there are also Tejeda families in Puerto Rico, Cuba, and other Latin American countries due to historical migrations. In the United States, a significant number of people with the last name Tejeda can be found primarily in Texas, California, Florida, and New York, reflecting the migration patterns of Mexican-Americans.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tejeda

The Tejeda surname has several variations and spelling alternatives in English and other languages. Some common versions include Téjeda, Tejedas, de Tejada, Tejada y Rivera, Teijeda, and DeTejada. Additionally, there might be slight phonetic variations depending on the regional dialect or language, such as Teheda or Teyeda. These differences may arise from factors like transcription errors, linguistic assimilation, or regional pronunciation nuances over time. It is important to note that these variations can be found in countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations, including Mexico, Spain, and the United States.

Famous people with the last name Tejeda

Jorge Luis Tejeda, a Bolivian politician, served as the President of Bolivia from 2003 to 2005. Tejeda was born on July 14, 1967, in La Paz, Bolivia. He was the leader of the MAS (Movement Toward Socialism) party and succeeded Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada as president following his resignation amidst widespread protests. Tejeda is also a former Minister of Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Senator in Bolivia.

In the world of sports, Carlos Tejada is a renowned boxer who won gold medals at both the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Pan American Games. Born on October 25, 1980, in Honduras, he is known for his impressive career in professional boxing as well.

In the United States, Luz Tejeda, a community activist and former Chicago alderman, has been recognized for her work advocating for immigrants' rights and affordable housing. She served as an alderman for Chicago's 31st ward from 2007 to 2015.

These individuals represent notable figures with the last name Tejeda across different fields such as politics, sports, and activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Tejeda

The Tejeda surname originates from Spain and is predominantly found in the Canary Islands. Its etymology is derived from the Old Castilian word "tieja" meaning "tile," due to its association with tile makers in medieval times. The surname spread across regions in Spain, particularly Andalusia and Valencia, as well as other parts of Europe through migration. In the New World, the Tejeda family was among the earliest settlers in Puerto Rico, where they played significant roles in the island's history. Notable Tejeda descendants include Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer who is credited with discovering Florida, and Antonio Tejada Fernández, a Puerto Rican writer and journalist. The surname Tejeda also appears in Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacán, due to immigration from Spain and Puerto Rico.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Tejeda"
• 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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