Origin of the surname Espinha

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.

The surname Espinha. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

The history of the surname espinha is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of espinha. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of espinha.

The surname Espinha around the world

It is common for surnames like espinha to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.

History of Espinha

The historical journey of the surname espinha can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of espinha. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname espinha.

You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname espinha, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.

Notable Figures Named Espinha

Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all espinhas who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. If you or someone you know bears the surname espinha, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname espinha who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Espinha and its bibliographic sources

It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname espinha. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of espinha.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of espinha, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Espinha