What is the origin of the last name Urroz?

The surname Urroz has Basque origins and is derived from a place name in the northern Spanish province of Gipuzkoa. Specifically, it is believed to have its roots in the town of Urdazubi/Urrotz, located near the city of Donostia-San Sebastián. The name Urroz is thought to be derived from the Basque words "ur" meaning "bear" and "rots" meaning "grove," potentially referring to a grove where bears were known to live. It's important to note that the surname Urroz can also be found in other regions with significant Basque populations, such as France and South America, due to historical migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Urroz

The meaning and origin of the last name Urroz

The surname Urroz is of Basque origin, rooted in the ancient language and culture of the Basques, a people inhabiting the northern parts of Spain and southern France. The name Urroz is derived from a place name, specifically referring to a village in Navarra, Spain called Urtzoz or Ortzoz. The etymology of this place name stems from the Basque words "urtza" meaning oak tree, and "zorro," meaning fox. Over time, the surname Urroz evolved from the original place name, with variations such as Urtroz, Orotz, or Orrost. It is one of many Basque surnames that have been carried by families for centuries, serving as a connection to their ancestral homeland and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Urroz

The surname Urroz is predominantly found in the Basque Country, which spans across northern Spain and southwestern France. According to data from various sources, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this surname are in the Spanish provinces of Gipuzkoa and Navarra, as well as in the French department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. The name Urroz is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Urrotz in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa. It's worth noting that many Basques have emigrated over time, and the surname Urroz can now be found in various parts of the world, particularly in South America, due to historical migration waves.

Variants and spellings of the last name Urroz

The surname Urroz has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, transcription, and regional pronunciation over time. Some common versions include:

* Uroz (without the final 's')
* Oroz (with a single 'o')
* Urrutia (a variant derived from Urroz, possibly due to phonetic evolution or family name adaptation)
* Urueta (a variant that may have originated as a diminutive form of Urroz)
* Urrotz (a Basque spelling with a 'tz' instead of an 's')
* Urrots (the plural form in the Basque language)
* Orrost (a possible phonetic variation)

These variations can be found among individuals of Spanish, Basque, and Latin American descent. It is important to note that these spellings may vary depending on factors such as immigration, historical documents, or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Urroz

Notable individuals with the surname Urroz include:

1. Joseba Urroz (born 1967), a Basque former footballer who played as a midfielder for Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, as well as the Spanish national team.

2. Xabier Urreiztieta Urroz (born 1970), a Spanish politician who served as the President of Navarra from 2015 to 2021.

3. Mikel Urreta Urroz (born 1984), a Basque professional road bicycle racer, competing in the UCI Continental Circuits.

4. Amaia Salamanca Urroz (born 1986), a Spanish actress best known for her roles in the television series "El Internado" and "Velvet."

5. Jokin Urreiztieta Urroz (born 1967), a Basque retired footballer who played as a defender, most notably for Athletic Bilbao.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, politics, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Urroz

The Urroz surname is Basque in origin, predominantly found in the Spanish provinces of Guipuzcoa and Navarra, as well as the French Basque Country. It is derived from the toponymic place name Urtzoz or Ortzoz, which means "place of wild boars" in Basque. Historically, the Urroz family played significant roles in the politics, economy, and society of the Basque region. Notable members include Juan Bautista de Urros, a 16th-century Spanish naval commander, and Javier Urroz, a contemporary filmmaker. The Urroz clan can be traced back to the 10th century, with many branches spreading out across Europe due to emigration and colonization efforts during the Middle Ages. Today, the Urroz surname is relatively common among Basque immigrants worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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.

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