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Origin of the Surname Iridoy
The surname Iridoy presents a geographical distribution that, according to available data, shows a majority presence in Spain, with a 95% incidence, followed by Argentina with 27%, the United States with 12% and Uruguay with 4%. This distribution suggests that the most likely origin of the surname is in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in some region of Spain, given that the concentration in that country is overwhelming. The significant presence in Latin American countries such as Argentina and Uruguay, as well as in the United States, can be explained by the migratory and colonizing processes that took place from the Iberian Peninsula to America and other territories in the centuries after the conquest and colonization. The high incidence in Spain, along with its dispersion in Spanish-speaking countries, reinforces the hypothesis that Iridoy is a surname of Spanish origin, possibly linked to a specific locality or region that served as a starting point for its expansion.
Etymology and Meaning of Iridoy
Linguistic analysis of the Iridoy surname suggests that it could be a toponymic surname, given that many surnames in the Iberian Peninsula that end in similar suffixes (-oy, -oyo, -oyz) are usually related to place names or geographical features. The root "Irid-" does not seem to have a clear correspondence in Castilian, Catalan or Basque words, which indicates that it could derive from an ancient term, possibly of Basque origin or from some pre-Romanesque language that influenced local toponymy. The ending "-oy" or "-oy" in the Basque language or in ancient dialects can be linked to a diminutive or a suffix that indicates belonging or relationship with a place.
In terms of meaning, if we consider that the surname is toponymic, "Iridoy" could be interpreted as "place of Iridi" or "place of the people of Iridi", where "Iridi" would be a name of ancient origin, perhaps related to a feature of the land, a river, or a family name originally from that area. The structure of the surname, with the presence of the vowel "i" and the consonant "d", could also indicate a root related to terms that describe physical characteristics of the landscape or with names of people who gave rise to the place.
As for its classification, it is probably a toponymic surname, given that it does not present typical elements of Spanish patronymics (such as -ez) or occupational surnames (such as Herrero). The possible Basque or pre-Romanesque root, together with the ending, reinforces this hypothesis. The presence in regions with strong Basque influence or in areas where ancient toponymy is maintained also supports this idea.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The probable origin of the surname Iridoy in a region of Spain, perhaps in the Basque Country or nearby areas, is based on its structure and distribution. The high incidence in Spain indicates that the surname may have originated in a small family unit or in a specific place, which was subsequently transmitted through generations. The expansion towards America, especially towards Argentina and Uruguay, can be explained by the migratory movements of Spaniards during the 19th and 20th centuries, in search of better opportunities or due to the colonization of these regions by Spaniards and other Europeans.
The presence in the United States, although minor, may also be related to later migrations, in which descendants of Spaniards took the surname with them. Geographic dispersion reflects historical migratory patterns, in which families moved from their place of origin on the peninsula to other continents, maintaining their identity through their surname. The current distribution, with a concentration in Spain and presence in Latin American countries, suggests that the surname may have had its center of origin in a specific locality, which served as a starting point for its expansion in the context of Spanish colonization and migration.
In addition, the dispersion in countries such as Argentina and Uruguay, which were part of the Spanish colonial empire, reinforces the hypothesis of a peninsular origin. Internal migration and the migratory waves of the 19th and 20th centuries would have facilitated the spread of the surname, which today maintains its significant presence in these regions. The history of these migratory movements, together with the structure of the surname, allows us to infer that Iridoy is a surname with roots in Spanish history and culture, with a probable origin in some locality or region with toponymic characteristics.specific.
Variants of the Surname Iridoy
As for spelling variants, there may be regional or historical forms of the surname, such as "Iridoi" or "Iridoyz", although there are no extensive records confirming these variants. Phonetic adaptation in different countries may have led to small modifications in the writing, especially in contexts where pronunciation or regional spelling influences the form of the surname.
In other languages, particularly in English- or French-speaking countries, the surname could have been adapted phonetically, although no widely spread forms are known. It is likely that related or common-root surnames may include variants that share the same etymological root, but with different suffixes or prefixes, depending on the region or local language. The influence of the Basque or pre-Romanesque language in the formation of the surname can also be reflected in variants that maintain similar elements in different regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
