Last Name Zarzo

The surname Zarzo is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a variety of places named "Zarzuela" or "Sarzuela," found primarily in the regions of Castile and León and Madrid in Spain. These placenames are thought to originate from the Arabic word "azarquiel," meaning "red fortress." This surname may have been adopted as a hereditary name by descendants of people who lived near these places. However, it is essential to note that the exact origin can vary and depends on individual family histories.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zarzo

The meaning and origin of the last name Zarzo

The surname Zarzo is of Spanish origin, primarily found in the region of Aragon, Spain. It's derived from a diminutive form of the personal name "Cesar" or "Zacarias," both Biblical names of Hebrew origin. Over time, these names evolved to become the patronymic surnames "Cesares" and "Zacarías," which later transformed into the more common "Zarzo." The suffix "-zar" in Spanish usually indicates a diminutive or affectionate form, making Zarzo a name of endearment based on the original names. The migration of people bearing this surname has led to its dissemination across various regions within Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zarzo

The surname Zarzo is primarily distributed across Spain, with a significant concentration in the northern autonomous communities of Aragon and Navarre. According to data from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), approximately 4,729 individuals bearing the last name Zarzo reside in Aragon as of 2018. In addition, around 3,506 people with this surname can be found in Navarre. Smaller numbers of people with the last name Zarzo are also present in other parts of Spain, including Castile and León, Catalonia, and Extremadura. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Zarzo can be traced to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Venezuela, and Argentina, where they have emigrated from Spain over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zarzo

The surname Zarzo can have several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transcription errors over time, or personal preferences. Some common versions include:

* Sarzo
* Tzarzo (in Catalan regions)
* Zarzos (plural form in Spanish)
* de Zarzo (when used as a prefix)
* Sarzo-Gutierrez (compound surname with Gutierrez)
* Sarçó (in Valencian dialect, Catalonia)
* Sarzoa (Basque spelling)

These variations may also appear in slightly different forms depending on the country or region where it is used. It's important to note that the correct spelling of a surname often reflects the personal preference and historical context of the individual bearing it.

Famous people with the last name Zarzo

The Zarzo surname is relatively uncommon yet has produced notable figures across various fields. In the world of sports, Joseba Zarzo (b. 1986) is a professional footballer who played for Spanish La Liga teams like Deportivo La Coruña and Granada CF. In music, David Zarzoso (b. 1975), known professionally as David Carrete, has gained recognition as a singer-songwriter, having released multiple albums and singles in his native Spain. The realm of academia boasts Juan José Zarzo (b. 1960), a renowned Spanish scholar, who specializes in the study of medieval philosophy and serves as a professor at the University of Navarra. Lastly, in the art world, Pablo Zarzoso Alcaide (b. 1952) is an accomplished sculptor whose works have been exhibited internationally. These individuals exemplify the diversity and achievements of those with the last name Zarzo.

Genealogical research on the last name Zarzo

The surname Zarzo is primarily found in Spain and is of Basque origin. It derives from the place-name Zarzozo, located in the province of Guipúzcoa in the Basque Country. Over time, various spellings have emerged for this name including Sarso, Sarsu, and Sarsoa, reflecting regional dialect variations. Notable individuals with the surname Zarzo include Juan Zarzo y Borrás (1804-1856), a Spanish poet and politician, and Jorge Zarzoso, a Spanish footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. The genealogy of this name is rich with individuals involved in various professions such as agriculture, military service, politics, and the arts, reflecting the diverse occupations within Basque society throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zarzo"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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