Last Name Yagues

The surname Yagues has its origins in Spain, specifically in the regions of Aragon and Castile. It is a toponymic surname, which means it was originally given to people who lived in or came from a place called "Yagüe" or a similar variation. The name "Yagüe" is believed to derive from the Old Spanish word "yague," meaning oak tree. Therefore, individuals with the surname Yagues would have either resided near an oak tree or been named after one. The earliest known records of this surname date back to the late Middle Ages in Spain.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Yagues

The meaning and origin of the last name Yagues

The surname Yagues is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. Its etymology is rooted in the Old Germanic language, specifically from the name 'Hugo', meaning 'mind' or 'intellect'. Over time, this personal name evolved into the form 'Yagos' in some parts of the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The subsequent addition of a suffix '-es' or '-iz' common in Spanish surnames created the surname Yagues, which is used today. It signifies someone who was either named 'Hugo' himself or was related to someone bearing that name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Yagues

The surname Yagues is predominantly distributed across Spain, particularly in the regions of Galicia and Asturias. According to genealogical data, it also appears frequently in the provinces of A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense, Pontevedra, and León within Galicia; and in Asturias' provinces of Oviedo and Avilés. Yagues is one of the most common surnames in these regions, reflecting their historical and cultural ties. Additionally, small numbers of individuals bearing the surname Yagues can be found in other parts of Spain, as well as in countries with significant Spanish diaspora, such as Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Yagues

The surname Yagues has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, and historical records. Some common variations include Iago, Iaguez, Iagués, Yagües, and Jáguces. Each of these forms is derived from the original Spanish patronymic name, which originates from the personal name "Iago," the Latin form of the Greek name "Iakobos" or "Jacob." Over time, the surname has been adapted to suit local dialects and orthographical norms. It is important to note that spellings may vary depending on the region where it was originally recorded and the transcription practices used at the time.

Famous people with the last name Yagues

The Yagues family has produced notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Juan Carlos Yagüe (b. 1942), a Spanish tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 6 in singles and doubles in the early 1970s. He won the French Open in both disciplines in 1972 and represented Spain at four Olympic Games. Another prominent Yagues is Miguel Angel Yagüe (b. 1938), a Spanish architect known for his work on urban planning and the restoration of historic buildings in Spain, including the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. In the world of sport, Fernando Yagüe (b. 1967) is a former professional basketball player who played for teams in Spain, Italy, and France during his career. He also represented the Spanish national team at various international competitions. Lastly, Ana Belén Yagüe (b. 1981), a journalist and television host, currently works as a presenter for Telecinco, one of Spain's leading commercial broadcasters. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Ondas Award for Best Presenter in 2017.

Genealogical research on the last name Yagues

The surname Yagues originates from the Basque region in Spain, specifically in the province of Guipúzcoa. It is a patronymic name derived from the male given name Iago or Jacobo, both common names in the Basque culture. The name can also be found spelled as Yagüe, Iagué, and other variations due to regional dialects and transcription errors over time. Notable individuals with this surname include Juan Yagüe y Atienza, a general during the Spanish Civil War, and José María de Yagüe, a Basque poet and historian. The family name is traditionally associated with the Basque Country but has also spread to other regions of Spain due to migration and historical events such as the expulsion of the Moriscos in 1609 and the Carlist Wars in the 19th century.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Yagues"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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