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Last Name Uriburu

What is the origin of the last name Uriburu?

The surname Uriburu is of Basque origin, specifically from the Biscay province in Spain and the French Basque Country. The name is believed to have derived from "Hiriburu," meaning "stone bridge" or "iron bridge" in the Basque language. The name has been found in Basque families since medieval times, with many immigrants bearing this surname migrating to Argentina during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Argentina, the name became associated primarily with the indigenous Mapuche people due to intermarriages and assimilation of Basque settlers in Patagonia.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Uriburu

The meaning and origin of the last name Uriburu

The surname Uriburu is of Spanish-Basque origin, specifically from the region of Biscay in the Basque Country, Spain. It's derived from the toponym "Ur ibarre" meaning "belonging to or from Ur (a place) and Ibarre (a hill)," reflecting its geographical origins. The name was brought to the Americas during the Spanish colonization, where it has been passed down through generations. In Argentina, Uriburu is a common surname, particularly in the provinces of Salta and Jujuy. It's worth noting that the Basque population in Spain and South America had significant cultural and linguistic differences compared to other regions of Spain, contributing to the distinctiveness of Basque-origin surnames like Uriburu.

Geographical distribution of the last name Uriburu

The surname Uriburu is predominantly found in Argentina, particularly in the provinces of Mendoza and San Juan located in the Cuyo region. It also appears with some frequency in Neuquén, La Rioja, and Catamarca provinces. This concentration aligns with the geographical distribution of the indigenous Huarpe and Diaguita people, who are known to have inhabited these regions prior to Spanish colonization. The Uriburu name is believed to be of indigenous origin, possibly derived from a place or a tribal leader in the region. In recent years, due to migration, members of the Uriburu family can also be found in cities throughout Argentina and even in other countries such as Spain, the United States, and Italy, reflecting global trends of population movement.

Variants and spellings of the last name Uriburu

The surname Uriburu has several variations and spellings. The most common versions include: Urigüerua, Uriguerra, Oribe, Oribegui, Origüera, Origuerra, and Hureguer. These variations are primarily due to differences in spelling conventions and phonetic transcription over time, as well as regional dialects within Argentina, where the name originates. The name is derived from the Guarani word "urubú" meaning "black vulture," reflecting the indigenous heritage of many early settlers in the region. It is important to note that the correct spelling and pronunciation may vary depending on family tradition and regional dialects.

Famous people with the last name Uriburu

The Uriburu family has produced several prominent figures across different fields. One of the most renowned members is Florence Delbene de Uriburu (1893-1984), an Argentine astronomer who discovered more than 1,200 asteroids during her career. Another significant figure is Julio César Aráuz Uriburu (1866-1952), a Bolivian military officer and politician who served as President of Bolivia from 1925 to 1927. Moreover, Carlos Raúl Urburu (born 1964), an Argentine footballer, played for clubs such as River Plate and Racing Club de Avellaneda, and represented the Argentina national team. Additionally, Eduardo Uriburu (1884-1953), a Spanish painter, is known for his impressionist works depicting scenes from rural Spain. Collectively, these individuals have left lasting legacies in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Uriburu

The Uriburu surname is predominantly found in Argentina, with roots tracing back to Basque immigrants who settled in the country during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Tomas de Uriburu, a member of the Basque nobility from Guipúzcoa, Spain, who immigrated to Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. His descendants formed the core of the Uriburu family in Argentina. Among them, General Jose Inocencio Arias de Uriburu (1862-1933) stands out as a notable figure. He served as President of Argentina from 1930 to 1932 and played a significant role in the political history of the country during that period. The Uriburu surname continues to be carried by many Argentine families, with concentrations particularly in Buenos Aires and the surrounding provinces.

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 : 13 June 2025

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