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Last Name Xamena

What is the origin of the last name Xamena?

The surname Xamena is of Catalan origin. It derives from a place name, likely related to the town or village of Xàmena in the region of Catalonia, Spain. In Catalonia, the tradition of using geographical names as surnames started around the 15th century. Many people adopted their ancestral hometown's name as their last name when they moved or migrated to other places. The town of Xàmena is located in the province of Lleida, Catalonia. It has a long history dating back to medieval times, which may have influenced its use as a surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Xamena

The meaning and origin of the last name Xamena

The surname Xamena is of Catalan origin. It derives from a place name, specifically from the village of Xatón (pronounced 'Sha-thon') located in the province of Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Over time, the spelling has evolved to various forms such as Xamenas, Xamena, and Ximeno. The name is thought to have been originally related to a personal name, potentially derived from the Latin word 'Xatinus', which was a diminutive of the Roman family name 'Sextus'. Individuals with the surname Xamena today can be found primarily in Catalonia, but also in other Spanish-speaking countries as a result of immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Xamena

The surname Xamena has its origins primarily in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. A significant concentration of this surname can be found in the provinces of Girona, Barcelona, and Lleida, where it is particularly prevalent in towns such as Olot, Ripoll, and Manresa. The name Xamena also appears with frequency in the Balearic Islands, specifically in Mallorca, due to historical migrations from mainland Spain. Beyond Spain, there are small populations of individuals bearing the surname Xamena, primarily in countries with significant Spanish expatriate communities such as Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela. The distribution of this surname reflects the historical migration patterns of Catalan settlers within the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Xamena

The surname Xamena has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation across various historical records and regions. Some common variations include Xámena, Xamenas, and Ximeno, which are primarily found in Spain. In Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, the surname can also be spelled as Xamoné, Xamón, or Xamena i Fàbregas. In Portuguese-speaking countries, a similar name is Xamões, derived from the Spanish variant Xamena. Additionally, there might be variations arising from anglicized forms when individuals immigrated to English-speaking countries.

Famous people with the last name Xamena

One notable figure with the surname Xamena is Salvador Xamena, a Spanish composer and conductor known for his contributions to the world of classical music. Born in Barcelona in 1946, he studied at the Barcelona Conservatory before moving to Paris where he furthered his studies at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. Xamena has composed numerous works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music. His opera "El retablo de los ausentes" (The Altar of the Absent) was particularly well-received and brought him international recognition. Another prominent figure with the surname Xamena is Catalan politician Jordi Xamena, who served as a member of the European Parliament for the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia from 1987 to 1994. He has also been involved in various other political positions within Spain and Catalonia.

Genealogical research on the last name Xamena

The surname Xamena is of Catalan origin and is believed to have roots in the region of Girona, located in northeastern Spain. Historical records indicate that the first known individuals bearing this surname lived there during the late Middle Ages. Some variations of the name include Xamenas, Xamena i Fillols, and Xamena y Codina. The family is associated with notable figures such as Francesc Xamena i Arrufí, a renowned poet from the 18th century, and Joan Xamena i Pons, a political activist who played an essential role in the Catalan Nationalist movement during the early 20th century. The surname has since spread across various regions of Spain, as well as to other countries where Catalans have immigrated, such as Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela. Genealogical research can be conducted through Spanish civil registry records, church archives, and historical genealogy publications focusing on the region of Girona.

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 : 28 July 2025

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