Last Name Zurita

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zurita

The meaning and origin of the last name Zurita

The surname Zurita is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula. It derives from the Latin word "Zuris" or "Sauris," which means 'lizard' in ancient Roman language. The name was often given to individuals who lived near areas inhabited by lizards, or who may have been associated with this animal for some reason. Over time, it evolved into the modern Spanish surname Zurita. Notable individuals bearing the Zurita name include poets such as Juan de Zurita and Juan Ponce de Leon Zurita, as well as various religious figures and nobles throughout Spanish history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zurita

The surname Zurita is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile and León, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, and Madrid, where it originated from medieval times. It also has a significant presence in the Americas due to Spanish colonization, with high concentrations in Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. In Mexico, the state of Jalisco, specifically Guadalajara, is particularly noteworthy for its high number of Zurita descendants. Additionally, there are smaller populations of Zuritas in Argentina, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and the United States, reflecting the global dispersal of Spanish-speaking populations over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zurita

The surname Zurita has several variants and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins and usage across different cultures. Some common variations include Zurrida, Zuritha, Zuritta, Zorrita, Surrida, Sorrida, Suurida, and Suzurita. It is a Spanish name derived from the word "zurra" which means "porcupine" or "hedgehog". The name Zurita may also be found in Portuguese, Italian, and Basque contexts with slight alterations in spelling. In Portugal, it might be written as Zúrita or Surita; in Italy, it could be Surrida, Sorrida, or Zurrida; and in the Basque language, it is often written as Zorrita. These variations underscore the global dissemination and adaptability of the name Zurita over time.

Famous people with the last name Zurita

The Zurita family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Juan Rodriguez Freyle Zurita, a Spanish scholar and historian born in the 16th century. He served as the Royal Secretary of King Philip II of Spain and authored numerous historical works, including "Historia General de los Reyes y Sicarios de Granada" (General History of the Kings and Sovereigns of Granada).

Another prominent Zurita is Jose Miguel de la Zurda y Linares. Born in Mexico in 1794, he was a distinguished military officer who served during the Mexican War of Independence under General Agustin de Iturbide. He later became governor of Yucatan and played a significant role in suppressing the Caste War of Yucatan.

In the realm of literature, Luis Zurich Zurita (1925-1976) was a Chilean poet known for his surrealist poetry collection "El jardín de los sentidos" (The Garden of the Senses). His work, along with other Chilean poets of his time, contributed to the movement known as La Poesia del Silencio (Poetry of Silence).

Finally, Maria Elena Zurita, born in 1962, is a prominent Mexican journalist and politician who has served as a senator since 2018. She began her career as a reporter for the newspaper Reforma and later founded the magazine Proceso. Her journalistic work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the National Journalism Prize and the Maria Moors Cabot Prize.

Genealogical research on the last name Zurita

The last name Zurita originates from Spain and is associated with several notable families across history. The earliest known origins can be traced back to the Kingdom of Castile during the Middle Ages. One prominent branch of the Zurita family includes Pedro Fernández de Zurita, a 16th-century historian who authored the "Anales de la Corona de Aragón." Other notable Zuritas include Francisco de Zurita y Castro, Viceroy of New Spain in the late 17th century, and Juan Pablo Zúrich y Zurita, a prominent Mexican jurist and politician in the 19th century. The Zurita family also has roots in Argentina, with figures such as Carlos María de Alvear, a key figure in Argentine independence. Today, the Zurita family is found across Spain, Latin America, and other parts of the world, maintaining a rich historical legacy.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zurita"
• 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 : 14 June 2025