Surname Spain - Meaning and Origin

Discovering the Unlikely Origins of the Surname Spain: A Personal Journey Through DNA Analysis at iGENEA

Embarking on a journey with iGENEA, I undertook a DNA test to delve into my family's roots. As I explored my surname's lineage, I found that the history of the Spain surname traces back to Northwestern Europe and not merely to the modern-day country of Spain. This unexpected discovery expanded my understanding of my ancestry and deepened my connection with my past.

M. Spain

Spain: What does the surname Spain mean?

The last name Spain is of locational origin, indicating that it derives from a geographical location. This surname was typically given to individuals who originated from Spain, as it was common practice to name people based on their place of origin or residence. It was often used for someone who had settled in a new location and was identified by their former place of residence. Therefore, the surname Spain can denote a family line that once lived in, originated from, or was somehow associated with Spain. It's important to note that surnames have evolved over hundreds of years, and their original meanings and connotations may have been altered or lost. Additionally, many surnames like Spain could also have been anglicized from different languages due to immigration and transliteration practices, possibly altering their original form and meaning. Despite variations and changes, however, the primary association of the surname Spain remains its connection to the country Spain.

Spain: Where does the name Spain come from?

The last name Spain is most commonly found in Spain, unsurprisingly. It is estimated that there are more than 40,500 people in Spain who carry this last name today, making it the 34th most common surname in the country. Many of the individuals with this last name are based in Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona, and other large cities throughout the country.

The last name Spain is also found in countries throughout Latin America, likely a result of Spanish colonialism in the region. In Mexico, the last name is most frequently found in the states of Coahuila and Nuevo León. In Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, the last name Spain also appears to be concentrated in the capital cities.

Outside of Spain and Latin America, the last name Spain can also be found in the United States, where Spanish immigration has increased in recent decades. According to the 2000 US Census, there were 5,234 individuals with the last name Spain living in the US, primarily concentrated in the states of New York, California, and Texas. It is also found in the UK, mostly concentrated in the cities of London and Birmingham, and in France, where it is concentrated in Paris and Bordeaux.

The last name Spain is a fairly common last name, and it is clear that those who carry it have not stayed put in their home country. Today, this last name is found in countries all across the world, with individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds claiming the name as their own.

Variations of the surname Spain

The surname Spain is of English, Scottish, and Irish origin, and is an anglicized form of the Spanish surname España, meaning “from Spain”. Some variants and spellings of this surname are Espain, Espan, Espana, Espain, Espaney, Espaing, Espane, Espayng, Espaynee, Esplein, Espleine, Espleing, Spaine, Spainne, Spayne, Spein, and Speine.

Other surnames of the same origin are Espin, Espino, Espinal, Espinoza, Espinola, Espiritu, Espino, Spinois, Espinales, Espinosa, Espinol, Espinda, Espinella, Espindola, Espinette, Espinoce, Spinola, and Esping.

Although a number of people with the surname Spain have been found in England since the late 13th century, it is likely that the surname developed independently in other regions too. Therefore, there may be other variants or spellings of this name found in other countries. In addition, the surname Spain is sometimes used as a given name, meaning “son of Spain”.

In Scotland, the Spain family can trace its roots back to the 12th century. It was found primarily in Northumbria, on the border between England and Scotland. Several members of the Spain family were awarded knighthoods, and the family was granted lands in Northumberland.

In Ireland, the surname Spain and its variants can be found as far back as the 13th century. The family can be found in County Galway and County Mayo in particular. A number of people with the surname Spain migrated to the United States and Canada throughout the 19th century, making the surname more widespread in these countries and other parts of the world.

Famous people with the name Spain

• Rolland Spain: Retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and former NASA astronaut.
• Chad Spain: Professional football player in the NFL
• Angelica Spain: Former international synchronized swimmer
• Walter Spain: Retired US Navy Captain and entrepreneur
• Keith Spain: American professional basketball player
• Cassandra Spain: American professional tennis player
• Mark Spain: American Christian singer-songwriter and worship leader
• Joan Spain: Spanish actress, model, and television presenter
• David Spain: Canadian actor
• Martínez Spain: Spanish actor, television producer, and screenwriter

Other surnames

Spaine