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Origin of the Surname Larez
The surname Larez has a geographical distribution that, currently, is concentrated mainly in Latin American countries, with a significant presence in Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina and other Latin American countries. The highest incidence is recorded in Venezuela, with approximately 13,629 records, followed by Mexico with 562 and Guatemala with 478. In the United States, although the incidence is lower (791), the presence is also notable, reflecting historical migratory processes. The dispersion in European countries, although smaller, is also observed in Spain, Italy, Portugal and others, which suggests a possible root in the Iberian Peninsula.
This distribution pattern, with a high concentration in Latin American countries and presence in Spain, could indicate that the surname has a Spanish origin, spread through colonization and migrations to America. The presence in the United States and other countries may also be related to subsequent migratory movements. The current geographical dispersion, therefore, seems to support the hypothesis of an origin in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain, from where it would have been brought to America during the centuries of colonization and subsequently expanded by internal and global migrations.
Etymology and Meaning of Larez
From a linguistic analysis, the surname Larez seems to have roots in the Spanish language, although its structure could also suggest influences from other Romance languages or even toponymics. The ending in "-ez" in many Spanish surnames indicates a patronymic character, but in this case, the form "Larez" does not have that typical ending. However, the presence of the vowel "a" in the middle of the surname and the general structure could point to a toponymic derivation or a less conventional patronymic form.
The surname could derive from a proper name or a place. The root "Lar-" could be related to terms meaning "house" or "home" in some Romance languages, or to a place name. The ending "-ez" does not appear in the form, but in some cases, surnames can vary in their form and spelling over time, especially in contexts of migration or regional adaptation.
In terms of classification, Larez would probably be considered a toponymic surname, given that many surnames with similar structures derive from place names or geographical features. The presence in Spanish and Latin American regions reinforces this hypothesis, since many toponymic surnames originated in specific localities and subsequently spread.
In summary, although it cannot be stated with absolute certainty without an in-depth genealogical study, the etymology of Larez could be linked to a term that denotes a place or a geographical feature, or to a derivative of a proper name that has evolved over time. The structure of the surname suggests an origin in the Spanish language, with possible influences from regional dialects or other Romance languages.
History and Expansion of the Surname
The analysis of the current distribution of the surname Larez allows us to infer that its most probable origin is in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in some region of Spain. The presence in countries such as Spain, Italy, Portugal and to a lesser extent in other European countries may indicate that the surname has roots in the Hispanic or Iberian tradition, later spreading to America during the colonization process starting in the 16th century.
During the colonization of America, many Spanish surnames spread in Latin American territories, especially in countries such as Venezuela, Mexico and Guatemala, where the incidence of Larez is notable. The high concentration in Venezuela, in particular, could reflect internal migration or early settlement in that region, possibly linked to families who carried the surname in the 16th or 17th centuries.
The process of expansion of the surname can also be linked to subsequent migratory movements, such as internal migrations in Latin American countries in search of better opportunities, or international migrations to the United States and other countries. The presence in the United States, although lower in incidence, may be the result of these migrations, especially in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Likewise, the dispersion in other countries, such as Guatemala, Argentina, and to a lesser extent in European countries, may reflect both colonial migration and the commercial and cultural relations that facilitated the spread of the surname.The expansion of the Larez surname, therefore, can be understood as a dynamic process, linked to historical population movements and colonial and postcolonial relations.
Variants and Related Forms
As for the variants of the surname Larez, it is possible that different spelling forms exist, especially in ancient records or in different regions. Some variants could include "Larés", "Larréz", or even adapted forms in other languages, such as "Larez" in English or "Lareze" in French, although the latter would be less common.
It is important to highlight that, in some cases, toponymic or patronymic surnames undergo phonetic or orthographic modifications over time, depending on regional influences or adaptations in official records. Additionally, related or common-root surnames could include those containing the root "Lar-" or similar endings, which could be linked to places or ancient proper names.
In regions where the influence of other Romance or colonial languages was significant, forms of the surname adapted to the phonetic or orthographic particularities of those languages could also be found. However, the "Larez" form seems to maintain a relatively stable structure in the records, which reinforces its possible origin in the Iberian Peninsula and its subsequent expansion.
