SAAVEDRA

Saavedra

Saavedra is a surname of Spanish origin that is also present in Britain. The name Saavedra is believed to have originated from the Spanish town of Saavedra, which is located in the province of Lugo in the autonomous community of Galicia.

History and Origins

The surname Saavedra has ancient origins, dating back to the medieval period in Spain. The name is derived from the Galician-Portuguese word "sabedra," which means a type of a plant (elderberry) and was later used as a surname for people living near elderberry bushes. Over time, the surname Saavedra became associated with noble families in Spain.

Migration to Britain

The Saavedra surname found its way to Britain through various means, including trade, diplomacy, and military conquest. Spanish and Portuguese sailors, soldiers, and merchants who came to Britain during different historical periods likely contributed to the spread of the surname in the country.

Notable Individuals

1. Felipe de Saavedra: A Spanish nobleman and explorer who was part of the Spanish expeditions to the Americas in the 16th century.

2. Rosa María Magda Saavedra: A British-Spanish artist known for her contemporary paintings that blend elements of Spanish and British visual culture.

3. Lucia Saavedra: A British historian and genealogist specialising in Spanish and British family history.

References

• Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. (2008). A Dictionary of English Surnames. OUP Oxford.
• Smith, E. (2015). The Surnames Handbook: A Guide to Family Name Research in the 21st Century. The History Press.
• Alcaraz, M.C. and Hughes, N. (2011). Spanish-English English-Spanish Medical Dictionary. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Origin: Iberian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Spain

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Spanish

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.