GARCIA
Garcia
Garcia is a surname of both Spanish and Portuguese origin. It is derived from the given name 'Garcia', which is of Basque origin and means 'young' or 'young warrior'. The surname Garcia is considered to be one of the most common surnames in Spain and Portugal.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Garcia has its roots in the ancient Basque region of Spain and Portugal. It is believed to have originated as a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a person named Garcia. The name Garcia was popular among the ruling class of the Iberian Peninsula, and as such, the surname became widespread among the general population.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Garcia is considered to be one of the most common surnames globally. It is particularly prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and the United States. In the United Kingdom, the surname Garcia is relatively less common but can still be found among British families of Spanish or Portuguese descent.
Notable Individuals
- Andy Garcia - an American actor and director of Cuban and Spanish descent.
- Adam Garcia - a British-Australian actor and dancer.
- Nina Garcia - a Colombian fashion journalist and critic.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
In conclusion, the surname Garcia is a widespread and historically significant surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin. Its popularity can be attributed to its noble heritage and the prevalence of the given name Garcia in the Iberian Peninsula.
There are approximately 6,596 people named Garcia in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,435th most common surname in Britain. Around 101 in a million people in Britain are named Garcia.
Origin: Iberian
Region of origin: Europe
Country of origin: Spain
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Spanish
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Antonio
- Carlos
- Daniel
- David
- John
- Jose
- Juan
- Manuel
- Michael
- Miguel
Female
- Ana
- Angela
- Carmen
- Eva
- Isabel
- Laura
- Maria
- Marta
- Monica
- Patricia
- Susana
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.