Last Name Tiego

The surname Tiego has roots in several Spanish-speaking regions, particularly Galicia and Asturias in northwest Spain. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Tiago" or "Thiago," which is the Spanish form of the Hebrew name "Tzvi" (meaning "deer"), the Greek name "Theodoulos" (meaning "gift of God"), or the Old Norse name "Þjóðólfr" (meaning "renowned in war"). In some cases, the surname may also have Basque origins as an apellido compuesto, formed by combining two toponyms or personal names. However, the exact origin of a specific Tiego family's surname may vary depending on their particular lineage and history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tiego

The meaning and origin of the last name Tiego

The surname Tiego is of Spanish origin, derived from the region of Galicia in northwestern Spain. It is a variant of the name Teixeira, which itself comes from the Occitan word 'teixon', meaning 'weaver'. In medieval times, occupational names were common among Europeans, and weavers were often given names related to their craft. As people migrated, these surnames often evolved with regional dialects or translation errors. The variant Tiego may be a result of such changes during the migration process. Over time, it has been adapted and spread across various parts of the world due to the historical colonization efforts by Spain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tiego

The surname Tiego is predominantly found in Spain, specifically in the autonomous community of Galicia, where it is one of the most common surnames. It originates from the town of Tiedo, located in the province of Lugo, Galicia. The name has also spread to other parts of Spain due to migration over the centuries. Additionally, there are individuals with the last name Tiego in other Spanish-speaking countries, particularly those with significant populations of Spaniards or Galician immigrants. Beyond Spanish-speaking regions, a small number of people with the last name Tiego can be found in various parts of the world due to diaspora and global mobility.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tiego

The surname Tiego has several variations and spellings. Some common ones include: Teixo, Teixeira, Teixeo, Tiejo, Teijo, and de Tiego. These variations may originate from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Additionally, the name can also be found as Tejada in some Spanish-speaking countries, while in Portuguese-speaking regions it is more commonly spelled as Teixeira. The root of the name is believed to derive from the Occitan word for "blacksmith," Tieg, which was later Latinized as Faber Ferrarius or Faber Ferrato.

Famous people with the last name Tiego

Antonio Tapia Tiego is a renowned Spanish scientist and professor, known for his contributions to the field of astronomy. He was awarded the Princess of Asturias Award for Technical and Scientific Research in 2007. Another significant figure with the last name Tiego is Juan Ramón Jiménez, a Nobel Prize-winning Spanish poet. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1956, making him the first Spanish author to do so since the prize's inception. In the world of sports, Fernando Tiago Tiegu NA Olele, commonly known as Tiego, is a professional Angolan footballer who plays as a forward for FC Famalicão and the Angola national team. Lastly, Carlos Tiegblood is an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his work in independent films, including the critically acclaimed "Boy Interrupted." These individuals have made notable contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the versatility and success associated with the surname Tiego.

Genealogical research on the last name Tiego

The Tiego surname is predominantly found in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France. Historically, it originated as a toponymic surname, derived from various places named Tejo or Tieyo, indicating a locality with a holm oak tree. One such location can be found in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. The name spread beyond the Basque Country due to migration and colonization, particularly during the Spanish colonial period when Basques settled in Latin America. Notable individuals bearing the Tiego surname include Juan de Tiego, a 16th-century Spanish navigator who participated in the Magellan-Elcano expedition, and Carlos Tiegio, a modern-day Mexican politician. The Tiego family can be traced back to various Basque clans such as the Amezaga, Zubiaurre, and Etxebarria, reflecting its deep roots in the Basque culture and history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tiego"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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