Last Name Uribe

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uribe

The meaning and origin of the last name Uribe

The surname Uribe is of Spanish origin, predominantly found among the people of Colombia and other Spanish-speaking regions. It is derived from the medieval place names Urbión and Urueña, both located in the provinces of Burgos and Palencia, Spain. The name is thought to be an ascriptional surname, originally given to someone who was born in one of these places or perhaps a person who was associated with the landed estates or castles owned by those bearing these names. The meaning of Uribe is connected to 'urbe' in Latin, which translates to 'city'. Over time, as Spanish explorers and settlers ventured to the New World during the Age of Discovery, the surname Uribe was carried and established among the colonies, particularly in South America. Today, it remains a common surname in Colombia and other parts of Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uribe

The surname Uribe is predominantly found in Colombia and Panama, with significant populations also residing in Spain, the United States, and other parts of the Americas due to migration. In Colombia, it is one of the most common last names, particularly in the departments of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Valle del Cauca, and Tolima. In Panama, it is also relatively frequent, especially in the western provinces. The surname Uribe has its roots in medieval Spain, where it was originally spelled Hobo or Hubo, and it is believed to have been brought to South America by Spanish conquistadors. Today, members of the Uribe family can be found worldwide, with a concentration in areas with strong Colombian and Panamanian communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uribe

The surname Uribe has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. In Spanish, the most common spelling is Uribe, but it can also be found as Oribe or Uríbe. These variations originate from the Latin name Hiraldo or Heriberto, which was popularized by the Visigoths in Spain.

In English, the name can be spelled as Urribarri, Urbie, or Ury. In Portuguese, it is often spelled as Urbino or Urbino do Brasil (which indicates a family from Brazil). The French may spell it as Oribe or Ouribe. In some cases, the name may also have been anglicized to Urbey or Urby. These variations reflect the historical migration and assimilation of families bearing the surname Uribe over time.

Famous people with the last name Uribe

Juan Manuel Santos Calderón and Álvaro Uribe Vélez are two notable individuals with the surname Uribe. Born into prominent Colombian political families, both have significantly impacted Colombia's political landscape. Juan Manuel Santos Calderón served as Colombia's President from 2010 to 2018 and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016 for his role in ending the long-standing conflict with FARC rebels. Previously, he held various roles in government under Presidents Andrés Pastrana Arango and Álvaro Uribe Vélez.

Álvaro Uribe Vélez, on the other hand, served as President of Colombia from 2002 to 2010 and is considered one of the most influential politicians in recent Colombian history. He was known for his hardline stance against drug trafficking, guerrilla groups, and paramilitary forces. Uribe's presidency saw a significant reduction in violence and an improvement in Colombia's economy, but his tenure was also marked by allegations of human rights abuses. Both figures continue to influence Colombian politics from their respective roles post-presidency.

Genealogical research on the last name Uribe

The last name Uribe is of Spanish origin, specifically Basque or Andalusian. It is derived from the Old Basque word "ur-ibe" which translates to "place of yew trees." Over time, it has been spelled in various ways including Urbin, Uribin, Oribe, and others due to regional dialects and scribes' interpretations. The Uribe family is believed to have originated from the Basque region in northern Spain or southern France. They migrated southward during the Middle Ages, settling in various parts of medieval Iberia, including Andalusia, Castile, and Aragon. From these regions, descendants of the Uribe family ventured to other parts of Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, contributing to the global dispersal of the name. Notable Uribe family members include Juan de Urbina y Urrutia, a conquistador in Peru; and Camilo Uribe, a Colombian military leader and president. The genealogy of the Uribe family is vast and complex, with numerous branches and sub-branches, making it an interesting area for further research and exploration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Uribe"
• 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 : 14 June 2025