Last Name Zendejas

The surname Zendejas is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the occupational name "Zendajo" which referred to a shepherd or a herdsman who took care of livestock in mountainous areas called "dehesa" in Spain. This name is most commonly found in the regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, and Castile-La Mancha, where pastoralism has played an important role in the economy and culture for centuries. The surname Zendejas may also have origins in the Americas as a result of Spanish colonization and migration to places such as Mexico, where it is still commonly found today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zendejas

The meaning and origin of the last name Zendejas

The surname Zendejas is of Spanish origin, specifically from Mexico. It is derived from the word "zenda," which means "defender" or "protector" in Old Spanish. Over time, it has evolved to its current form as a last name. Historically, this surname was often given to someone who had a protective role within their community, such as a guard or a knight. The surname Zendejas is relatively common in Mexico and is also found among Mexican-American families living in the United States. It is also worth noting that the Spanish language has many surnames derived from occupations, feudal titles, geographical locations, or personal attributes, reflecting the social and cultural history of Spain and its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zendejas

The surname Zendejas is primarily concentrated in Mexico, with significant numbers found in various states such as Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Colima, which are known for their rich indigenous heritage. Smaller clusters can also be found in other parts of Mexico. Outside Mexico, the name's presence is relatively sparse but includes a notable group in the United States, particularly in California and Texas, due to historical Mexican immigration. The name's distribution reflects the migration patterns of people from these regions over time, both internally within Mexico and externally to other countries, especially the United States. It is important to note that surnames can be shared across various ethnicities in Latin America, making it challenging to definitively correlate a specific surname with a single ethnic group or region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zendejas

The surname Zendejas has multiple variations and spellings. Some common versions include:

1. Zendajas: This spelling is less common but still valid.
2. Zendeja: This is the shortened, singular form of the last name, often used in Spanish-speaking countries when referring to an individual rather than a family.
3. Zendejez: The plural form of Zendeja in some regions and dialects of Spanish.
4. Xendejas: This spelling uses the letter 'X' instead of 'Z'. In some Latin American countries, this can be a common variation of the surname.
5. Hendejas: This is a phonetic variant, where the 'H' replaces the 'Z', often used in English-speaking countries.
6. Zendayas: A less common spelling that may be found in some contexts. It combines the Spanish suffix '-as' (plural feminine) with the base name 'Zendeja'.

Famous people with the last name Zendejas

The Zendejas family has produced notable figures in various fields. One of the most recognized is Eric Zendejas, a former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Chivas USA and Club Tijuana in Major League Soccer (MLS). He also represented Mexico at international level, participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Another prominent figure is Ana Paula Solalinde Zendejas, a Mexican actress known for her roles in telenovelas such as "La usurpadora" and "Lo que la vida me robó". She has been nominated for multiple awards in the TVyNovelas Awards and People en Español Awards. Additionally, Ricardo Zendejas, Eric's brother, is a musician and actor who gained fame as a member of the pop group Kairose, and also had roles in Mexican telenovelas such as "Acorralada" and "Mi Corazón es tuyo".

Genealogical research on the last name Zendejas

The surname Zendejas originates from Spain, specifically Andalusia, where it is believed to have been originally spelled as "Zendaya" or "Zendajas". The name has roots in Arabic and Moorish influences, possibly derived from the word "zenj" meaning black. In the 15th century, during the Reconquista, many people with this surname may have moved northwards from Andalusia as a result of Christian conquest. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved and variants such as Zendayas, Zendejia, Zendeya, and Zendejas emerged. In Mexico, the name gained significant popularity due to its association with the indigenous peoples of the region. Notable bearers of this surname include Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, Mexican actress-singer Thalía, and professional baseball player Carlos Zendejas.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zendejas"
• 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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