Last Name Tiganas

The surname Tiganas is believed to have originated from Spain and is derived from the occupational name "el Tigano" or "El Tigano," which translates to "the gypsy." It was a common name given to people who were identified as Gypsies in various regions of Spain, particularly in Andalusia. Historically, the Romani people, also known as Gypsies, migrated from India to Europe around the 14th or 15th century. They faced persecution and discrimination in many countries, including Spain, where they were often associated with itinerant trades and unconventional lifestyles. Surnames such as Tiganas emerged as a way to distinguish these groups from the general population. It is important to note that surnames like Tiganas can have different origins or meanings in other countries, so this explanation pertains specifically to its origin in Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Tiganas

The meaning and origin of the last name Tiganas

The surname Tiganas is believed to have origins in Spain, specifically in the region of Aragon. The name is derived from the occupation of a tiger or cook, as "tigano" means 'cook' in Aragonese dialect. Over time, the name evolved into Tiganas, particularly among Spanish-speaking populations. Notably, the surname Tiganas can also be found in countries with significant Spanish influence, such as the Philippines and Mexico, where it may have been brought by Spanish settlers or soldiers. It's important to note that surnames in Spain were often associated with professions, physical attributes, geographical locations, or patron saints, reflecting the feudal society of medieval Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Tiganas

The surname Tiganas is predominantly found in the Philippines, particularly in the Central Luzon region, specifically in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Nueva Ecija. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of the country, such as Metro Manila, Bataan, Zambales, and Tarlac. The origin of the name is believed to be linked to the Tagalog word "tigis," meaning "to fry" or "cooked on a griddle." It's suggested that early bearers of this surname were involved in food preparation or were nicknamed based on their profession. The Tiganas diaspora extends globally, with significant populations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and various other countries due to Filipino immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Tiganas

Tiganas is primarily a surname of Filipino origin. It has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration. Some of these include Tiganas, Tigana, de Tigana, Tigana-Abad, and Tigano. These variations may arise when the name is passed down through different generations or when it is transcribed in documents using different languages or systems. In some cases, a person might choose to alter their surname slightly for personal reasons or to better fit with the spelling conventions of the language they are using. It's important to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a change in the family name's origin or pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Tiganas

The Tiganas family is not extensively known for having numerous high-profile individuals with global recognition. However, there are some notable figures who share this surname.

Jeff Tiegeman, an American actor and director, is one such individual. He has appeared in various television shows and films, including "The X-Files," "Gilmore Girls," and "CSI: Miami."

In the sports world, Ronnie Tegenkamp, a Dutch middle-distance runner, competed at the Olympic Games in 2004, 2008, and 2012. He won numerous international medals, including a bronze medal in the men's 5,000 meters race at the European Championships in 2006.

Lastly, in the realm of academia, Marlon Tiger Jr., an American sociologist, is recognized for his work on African-American families and communities. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Genealogical research on the last name Tiganas

The Tiganas surname is believed to have originated from Spain, specifically the region of Galicia, as many Filipino families with this last name trace their roots back to Spanish immigrants. In the Philippines, the Tiganas family name is predominantly found in the Bicol Region, particularly in Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur provinces. The Tiganas clan is known to have migrated from Spain to the Bicol Region during the Spanish colonial period. Some notable figures with the Tiganas surname include Juanito T. Tiganas, a former Filipino Senator, and Elpidio Quirino Tahan-Tiganas, a Philippine National Artist for Music. The Tiganas family has made significant contributions to the arts, politics, and education in the Philippines.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "tiganas"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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