Surname Guevara - Meaning and Origin

Unravelling the Threads of My Guevara Lineage: A DNA Test Adventure with iGENEA

Using the iGENEA DNA test, I have journeyed deep into the roots of my Guevara heritage, tracing my lineage back to the Basque region of Spain. This fascinating experience has connected me with fellow Guevaras from around the globe and provided a unique perspective on my family’s history.

M. Guevara

Guevara: What does the surname Guevara mean?

The surname Guevara is of Basque origin, originating from a small village named Gebara in the Basque province of Álava, Spain. The name is believed to be derived from the Basque words 'ge' meaning 'below' and 'bara' meaning 'location', so Guevara could be translated to mean 'located below' or 'low-lying area'. It is also said that Guevara could mean 'goat town' as 'gibora' in Basque language means 'goat'. The name Guevara gained global recognition through the revolutionary figure Che Guevara. However, it is important to note that the meanings of surnames can be interpreted in various ways and may not necessarily provide specific information about one's ancestors.

Guevara: Where does the name Guevara come from?

Guevara is a Spanish surname derived from a Basque name, Goiburu, which means "high place." The name first originated in the Basque region of Spain, specifically from a town named Guevara in the province of Alava. The surname's popularity started to rise during the medieval period, with many families acquiring nobility status.

Guevara is quite popular throughout Latin America, particularly in Argentina, due to the fame of the revolutionary figure Ernesto "Che" Guevara. Ernesto Guevara, of Argentine and Irish descent, became a globally recognized figure during the Cuban Revolution. His unique last name and iconic image helped spread the prevalence of the Guevara surname.

Apart from Argentina, it is also common in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Spain, and parts of the United States with large Hispanic populations. Nonetheless, wherever in the world Spanish descendants have settled, the surname Guevara can be found. Its prevalence, however, remains highest in Latin American nations.

Variations of the surname Guevara

The surname Guevara has its origins in Basque country, a region straddling Spain and France. There are different variations and spellings of this surname, often influenced by regional language differences. The name appears as Gevara in some documents. Other versions include Quevara, Quebarra, and Ghevara. Sometimes, it's written with an additional "de," as in De Guevara or De Gevara, indicating origin or belonging from a specific place named Guevara.

Guevarra is another variant predominantly seen in the Philippines. It's important to note that not all people with the surname Guevara or its variants are necessarily related, as the name could have been adopted by different families living in or around places named Guevara in Spain.

The surname became globally recognized mainly due to Ernesto "Che" Guevara, an Argentine Marxist revolutionary. Some people, especially admirers of Che Guevara, have adopted Guevara as a surname even without a familial connection. This has in turn produced more unconventional or anglicized variants of the surname, like Guevarra, Gevara or Ghevvara. However, these versions are rare and less authentic.

Famous people with the name Guevara

• Che Guevara: A prominent Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, author, and guerilla leader, who played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution.
• Aleida Guevara: A Cuban medical doctor and the eldest daughter of Che Guevara.
• Alberto Guevara: The former Minister of Finance in Nicaragua who also served as the President of the Central Bank.
• Celia de la Serna y Llosa: Mother of Che Guevara, an activist and active participant in her son's revolutionary activities.
• Omar Guevara: A noted Ecuadorian poet, writer, and cultural promoter.
• Juan Guevara: A professional baseball player.
• Tomas Guevara: A Filipino professional basketball player.
• Tania Guevara: A long-distance runner from Mexico who represented her country at several international events.
• Lydia Guevara: Spanish model and animal rights activist, also a granddaughter of Che Guevara.
• Yamilka Noa Guevara: Cuban female volleyball player who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympics.
• Ramon Guevara: Venezuelan politician, elected constitutional governor of the state of Merida in 2017. These are some of the people who have gained recognition globally for their achievements and contributions to society under the surname Guevara.

Other surnames

GaalGaalayGaalenGaaleyGaalyGaarmannGabbardGabberGabbertGabeGabehartGabelGäbelGabelbergerGabeleGäbeleGäbeleinGabelenzGabelerGäbelerGabellGabelmannGabelsbergerGabeltGäbeltGabeneschGabenischGabenneschGaberle

Comments or additions to the name "Guevara"

01.03.2024
There is also .. Guevara Albudairi from Palestine she is well known journalist for Aljazieera channel

Moreover, my 17 years old daughter.. Guevara Issa from Jordan