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Last Name Urdapilleta

What is the origin of the last name Urdapilleta?

The surname Urdapilleta is of Basque origin, a historical region located in northern Spain and southwestern France. It is believed to have derived from place names within the Basque Country. The root word "urdabila" means "small hill" in the Basque language, and variations of this name can be found in different regions of the Basque Country. The surname Urdapilleta may have originated from a specific location named Ur-dabila or similar.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Urdapilleta

The meaning and origin of the last name Urdapilleta

The surname Urdapilleta is of Basque origin, specifically from the region of Navarre in Spain. It is derived from the toponymic place name "Urdax-Urdaitz" which means "green, wooded hollow" in Basque. The name of the place refers to its verdant and hilly landscape. Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Urdapilleta as families from Urdax-Urdaitz migrated and settled elsewhere, carrying their native names with them. In the Spanish language, "urdapilleta" translates to "tin pan," which is a possible reference to the occupation of one of the earliest bearers of this surname. The Urdapilleta family is one of the oldest and most prominent Basque families in Navarre and has contributed significantly to the region's history and culture.

Geographical distribution of the last name Urdapilleta

The surname Urdapilleta is predominantly found in Argentina, with a significant concentration in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Mendoza. Historically, it is believed to have originated from the Basque region in Spain, specifically from the town of Urdatxina. Due to historical migration patterns, many people with this surname can also be found in Uruguay and other Spanish-speaking countries in South America, particularly those with close cultural ties to Argentina. In recent times, there have been reports of individuals with the last name Urdapilleta residing in other parts of the world, such as the United States and Spain, likely due to diaspora and global migration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Urdapilleta

The surname Urdapilleta can have several variations and spellings, due to differences in transcription methods over time and across regions. Some common variants include Ordapiella, Ordapiella, Urdaypilleta, Urdaypilletta, Urdapileta, Urdappilaeta, Urdapilieta, and Urdapilita. These variations may arise due to factors such as spelling errors, regional dialects, and changes in family name pronunciation or translation over time. In some cases, the surname might also have been changed deliberately by individuals or families to conform with local customs or phonetic rules. Despite these variations, all these names share a common origin, derived from Basque roots meaning "stone" (urdax) and "small field" (pilleta).

Famous people with the last name Urdapilleta

Notable individuals with the surname Urdapilleta include:

1. José Manuel Urdapilleta (born 1946), an Argentine Roman Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of San Rafael from 2005 to 2021.

2. Juan Carlos Urdapilleta (born 1978), a former Argentine rugby union player who played as a center for the Argentina national team and for various domestic and international clubs, including Clermont Auvergne in France.

3. Marcelo Tinelli (born 1960, full name Marcelo Daniel Urdapilleta Tinelli), an Argentine television host, actor, producer, and singer. He is one of Argentina's most popular media figures.

4. Carlos Urdapilleta (born 1972), a former Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Independiente, Boca Juniors, and River Plate, as well as the Argentina national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning across religion, sports, media, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Urdapilleta

The surname Urdapilleta is believed to have originated from the Basque region, specifically the province of Biscay, in northern Spain. The name can be traced back to the medieval period and is thought to derive from the term "urdax" meaning 'warm' or 'hot spring', combined with 'pilleta' meaning 'hut'. The surname Urdapilleta spread throughout Spain and South America due to migration, particularly during the colonial era. Notable figures bearing this surname include Juan Nepomuceno Urdapilleta, a 19th-century Argentine politician and writer, and Mariano Urdapilleta, an influential Argentine poet and journalist. The surname remains common in Argentina and other Spanish-speaking countries with Basque ancestry.

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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