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Last Name Urriza

What is the origin of the last name Urriza?

The surname Urriza is of Basque origin, a region located in the northern part of Spain and southwestern France. Basque surnames are traditionally patronymic, derived from the father's given name or an occupational name. In this case, the surname Urriza could be a variant of the Basque name "Uriarte," which means "the bear's cave" or "the bear lord." The Basque language has a rich history that predates the Roman conquest and is unrelated to any other European language. It has its own unique grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary, making it one of the world's oldest living languages. It is worth noting that surnames did not exist in Europe until the late Middle Ages, around the 10th to 14th centuries. As a result, many Basque surnames predate those of other European countries and have unique origins. The Urriza surname is an example of this rich history and the cultural diversity that exists within Spain.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Urriza

The meaning and origin of the last name Urriza

The surname Urriza is of Basque origin, originating from the ancient region located in the northern parts of Spain and southwestern France. The name is believed to be derived from various place names in the Basque Country, such as Uribarri (meaning "fortress") or Urtizberri (meaning "new fortress"). Over time, these place names evolved into the surname Urriza as people migrated and settled in different areas. The name is common among the Basque population and has been carried to various parts of the world through immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Urriza

The surname Urriza has significant presence in Spain, particularly in the Basque Country and Navarra regions, reflecting its Basque origins. Historically, the name is associated with the town of Urrizahara in Navarra, suggesting an early concentration of bearers in that area. Beyond Spain, there are also notable populations of people with the surname Urriza in Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico, as a result of Basque migration during the 19th and 20th centuries due to economic, political, and cultural factors. In these countries, the name can be found mainly in urban centers with large Spanish-speaking communities. Additionally, smaller numbers of Urriza descendants may also be found scattered across other parts of the world as a result of diaspora or intermarriage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Urriza

The surname Urriza can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some common variations:

* Urrita
* Urrutia
* Orrisa
* Orriza
* Herrera (a more common Spanish name that might have been mistakenly written as Urriza)
* Urrice (a Basque surname)
* Herriz (also a Basque surname, although less commonly associated with the name Urriza)

These variations can be found in different regions of Spain and other countries where Spanish-speaking people have immigrated. It's important to note that surnames in Spanish-speaking cultures were originally patronymic, meaning they indicated the father's name. So, for example, if a man named Juan had a son, the son would be called Juan Pérez, with Pérez indicating that his father was named Pedro. Over time, these names became fixed and passed down from generation to generation, leading to variations in spelling and pronunciation.

Famous people with the last name Urriza

The Urriza family is notable for producing several significant figures across various fields. Among them, one of the most prominent is Jose Luis Urriza de Renteria, a Spanish politician who served as the Minister of Industry and Energy from 2016 to 2018 in the government of Mariano Rajoy. Another notable figure is Victor Urriola Urriza, an Ecuadorian economist who was the Central Bank Governor of Ecuador from 2013 to 2017. In the field of athletics, Javier Urriaga, a Mexican long jumper, represented his country in the Summer Olympics in 2016 and 2020. Lastly, Carlos Urriza, a Venezuelan musician, is recognized for his contributions to Latin American music, having won several awards including the Latin Grammy Award for Best Salsa Album in 2003.

Genealogical research on the last name Urriza

The Urriza surname originates from the Basque region of Spain, specifically the provinces of Guipuzcoa and Navarra. It is a toponymic name derived from various locations bearing the name "Urriz" or "Urritze," which means "place of waterfalls" in Basque. The first documented mention of the Urriza surname dates back to the 12th century in the form of Archila Urriza, who was a knight in Navarra during the reign of Sancho VI (1150-1194). Over the centuries, the Urriza family has spread across Spain and beyond due to migration, primarily to South America. Notable figures with the Urriza surname include Juan de Urriza, a 16th-century explorer who discovered present-day California, and Miguel Urquijo y Urriza, a 19th-century Spanish writer and poet. The Urriza surname is still commonly found in the Basque Country as well as in other regions of Spain and among Basque communities worldwide.

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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 : 24 July 2025

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