Last Name Zarca

The surname "Zarca" is of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It derives from a place name, typically referring to someone who originally came from a location named "Zarza," which can be found in several regions across Spain and Portugal. "Zarza" refers to a type of bush or thicket that is covered with thorns, such as the blackthorn or hawthorn shrub. Over time, as individuals moved from their original homeland, they adopted these place names as their family surnames, passing them down through generations. The spelling and pronunciation of "Zarca" can vary depending on regional dialects in Spain and Portugal.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zarca

The meaning and origin of the last name Zarca

The surname Zarca is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "zarc" which means 'bar' or 'grating'. It is believed to have been used as a place name denoting a location with such structures, and later adopted as a family name. Over time, it has undergone various orthographic changes in different regions of Spain. The surname Zarca is most common in the provinces of Valencia, Murcia, and Catalonia, reflecting the historical distribution of the Romance languages in these regions. Today, individuals with the surname Zarca can be found not only in Spain but also in other parts of the world due to migration and assimilation over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zarca

The surname Zarca is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Aragon and Catalonia, where it originated. In Aragon, it is most common in the provinces of Teruel, Zaragoza, and Huesca. In Catalonia, it is concentrated in the provinces of Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other parts of Spain, such as Navarra, La Rioja, and Valencia. Additionally, a significant number of Zarca descendants can be found in countries with large Spanish populations, particularly Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. It is important to note that the distribution may vary depending on factors like immigration patterns, cultural assimilation, and genealogical research availability.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zarca

The surname Zarca has several variants and spellings, including Zarka, Zarkah, Zarkha, Zarko, and Zarkova (for female forms). These variations may arise due to differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors, or cultural influences over time. Additionally, it can be hyphenated as Zarca- or combined with other surnames to create a double or compound name, such as Zarca-León or Zarca-Rodríguez. It is essential to note that these spelling variations do not necessarily indicate different family lineages but rather reflect changes in the way names were recorded and passed down through history.

Famous people with the last name Zarca

The Zarca surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. In the world of sports, Manuel Zarca is a renowned figure, having played as a goalkeeper for several Spanish football clubs, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the realm of academia, Ana Zarca-Watkins is recognized for her contributions to linguistics, specializing in the study of Indo-European languages. On the artistic side, Rafael Zarca is a celebrated film director and screenwriter from Argentina, known for his work on "El Ciruelo," which won the Silver Condor Award for Best Film. Lastly, in the political sphere, there is Luis Zarca, a Spanish politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister of Spain and a prominent member of the Socialist Workers' Party. These individuals exemplify the diverse accomplishments of people bearing the surname Zarca.

Genealogical research on the last name Zarca

The surname Zarca is predominantly found in Spain and Portugal, particularly in regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Catalonia, suggesting potential Basque or Celtic origins. Notable figures with the surname include Juan de la Cosa, a Spanish navigator known for creating one of the earliest maps of the world in 1500, and Josep Zarca i Gomis, a prominent architect from Barcelona during the Modernisme movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Genealogical records indicate that the name may have originated from a place-name, possibly a reference to a small river or stream (zarco in Basque), with variations such as Zarcillo, Zarquero, or Zarragoza being common. The earliest known records of the surname date back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries in Spain. DNA studies are currently underway to further explore the origins and migration patterns associated with the name Zarca.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zarca"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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