This ancient surname is recorded in some forty spelling forms. These range from Epine, Lepine, Delepine, (French) to Espinas and Espinoza (Spanish) and Spinelli (Italian). The surname is usually recorded in most dictionaries of surnames as being of early French origins, but is not so. It is more correctly Roman (Latin), and derives its origin from the pre Christian word 'spina', a description for a person who lived either by a prominent thorn bush, or more probably a defensive area protected by thorn bushes, or on the ridge or spine of a hill.
As a late medieval surname, it was also applied as a nickname to a "difficult" person, one of "prickly" character! It has also been suggested that in some cases the surname was originally a nickname for "a spy". If this is so, the derivation would have been from the French word "espionier", but this is not proven. Early examples of the surname recording include Claude Espinoy, in Paris, in 1638, Michelle Lespine, who married Pierre Fiquet at Rumigny, Ardenne, in 1632; and Jean Epinet, of Bard, Loire, in 1689. Further recordings are those of Maria de Espinoza at San Miguel Arcangel, Mexico on February 5th 1696 and Rueda Espinosa at San Juan Bautistia, Coyoacan, Mexico, on August 20th 1775. The coat of arms has the blazon of a silver field, charged with a red fesse, and overall a black lion rampant. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Louis Delespine, which was dated August 1st 1545, at the Church of St. Florentine, at Amboise, France, during the reign of King Francis 1 of France, and of the House of Valois, 1515 - 1547. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Catalan lineage.
They went to Argentina, Chile, the United States, the Philippines, Mexico and Peru.
The history of the surname espinas is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of espinas. Research into the possible origins of espinas leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. We can try to trace the genealogy of the surname espinas, and in addition to the original locations of espinas, we can find out where people with the surname espinas can currently be found.
It is common for surnames like espinas to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones. There is a considerable probability that espinas has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where espinas is most abundant are the following. The mobility of people carrying the surname espinas has led to its presence in different countries, as you can verify.
The historical journey of the surname espinas can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of espinas. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named espinas are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. The history, heraldry, coats of arms, and possible nobility of the surname espinas are scattered in documents across various regions and historical periods, so it is necessary to reconstruct a complex puzzle to approach the facts from a realistic perspective.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname espinas, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of espinas could be modified. Please note that if you are in a position to provide more data about the surname espinas or any other surname and its origin, we would appreciate your collaboration with us by sending us information about the origin of espinas.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all espinass who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname espinas, even though not all have been documented to our present day. A surname like espinas can connect a person to an illustrious lineage and a distinguished coat of arms. However, it must be kept in mind that it is individual people who, through their lives and actions, bring fame and recognition to their surnames.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname espinas. The bibliography collects information related to the surname espinas, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. We consider it highly advisable to refer to the following sources if you wish to conduct research on the surname espinas, as well as many other surnames.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of espinas, and at the same time, of surnames in general.