Last Name Uriac

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uriac

The meaning and origin of the last name Uriac

The surname Uriac is of Hebrew origin and is believed to have derived from the biblical name "Uriah," which means "God is my light" or "my light is Yahweh." This name was first found among the Israelites as recorded in the Old Testament. Over time, it evolved into various forms in different countries due to phonetic and orthographic changes. In the Iberian Peninsula, where the surname Uriac is most commonly found today, the name was introduced during the medieval period when Jews were forced to adopt surnames to distinguish themselves from their Christian counterparts. After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and the Inquisition that followed, many Jewish families fled to neighboring countries such as Portugal, France, and Italy, carrying their surnames with them. Today, Uriac remains a relatively rare name outside of these regions but holds significance for those who bear it as a reminder of their ancestral roots in Israel and the rich history of Jewish diaspora.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uriac

The surname Uriac is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Aragon and Catalonia. In Aragon, it is most concentrated in the provinces of Huesca and Zaragoza, with pockets also present in Teruel. In Catalonia, its distribution is more widespread, especially in Barcelona, Girona, and Lleida provinces. Beyond Spain, there are smaller concentrations of Uriac-surnamed individuals in South America, particularly Argentina, and to a lesser extent, in other parts of Europe such as France, Italy, and Portugal. The name's origins can be traced back to the medieval period in the Iberian Peninsula.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uriac

The surname Uriac can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Urry, Ury, Oury, Oury, Ouriac, Ouryak, Ouariac, and Ourhac. These variations may have originated from phonetic changes or regional dialects. It's also important to note that individuals with the surname Uriac may have immigrated from different parts of the world, each potentially bringing their own unique spelling tradition to the name. In French-speaking regions, for example, the name may be more commonly written as Ouriac or Ouariac.

Famous people with the last name Uriac

Uriac is a relatively uncommon surname, but it has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One such figure is Uriah Tracy (1752-1832), an American statesman who served as a U.S. Senator from Connecticut between 1795 and 1809. Another prominent person bearing the name is Alejandro Uriarte, a Mexican cartoonist best known for his satirical political comic strip El Macho. In the world of sports, there's Jose Uriarte, a Uruguayan footballer who played as a midfielder in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Lastly, Isidore Isaac Rabi, born Ize-Emanuel Urynowicz in Poland but known professionally as Isidor Rabi, was an American physicist of Polish Jewish descent. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1944 for his contributions to nuclear magnetic resonance.

Genealogical research on the last name Uriac

The surname Uriac is believed to have origins in the Occitania region, specifically in southern France and northern Spain, where it is associated with the ancient Catalan-speaking population. One variant, Uriach, can be traced back to the medieval era, appearing in records from the 10th century in Catalonia. The name is thought to have derived from a personal name "Uri" or "Ouri," and "-ac" indicating a settlement or land ownership. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations such as Oryach, Oriach, Uriag, and Uriack found in historical documents. The Uriacs were mainly concentrated in Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia during the Middle Ages, but later migrations led to the dispersal of the family throughout France, Spain, and other European countries, including Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland. Famous bearers of the name include French author Paul Uriac (1869-1932) and Spanish composer Ramón Uriach y Rovira (1874-1950).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Uriac"
• 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 : 24 July 2025