Find out how popular the first name Aranzazu has been for the last 7 years (from 2003 to 2009) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Aranzazu by gender

Based on the last 7 years of data, Aranzazu is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2009, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Aranzazu.

The history of the first name Aranzazu

The given name Aranzazu has its origins in the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. It is derived from the Basque words "arantz," meaning "valley," and "zazu," meaning "within." Originally, Aranzazu referred to the fertile valley where the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aranzazu is located, near the town of Oñati in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa, Spain.

The name first gained widespread recognition due to its association with the Virgin Mary and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aranzazu, which dates back to the 15th century. According to legend, a shepherd discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary in a cave in the Aranzazu valley, leading to the construction of the sanctuary and the veneration of Our Lady of Aranzazu.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Aranzazu was in a 16th-century document from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Aranzazu, where it was used to refer to the virgin's title and the surrounding valley. Over time, the name became popular among Basque families, particularly those with devotion to the Virgin of Aranzazu.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Aranzazu. One of the most famous was Aranzazu Muñoz Grandes (1904-1976), a Spanish writer and playwright known for her works exploring feminist themes and the struggles of women in society.

Another notable figure was Aranzazu González del Campillo (1913-1982), a Spanish physician and one of the first women to practice medicine in Spain. She was a pioneer in the field of pediatrics and worked tirelessly to improve child healthcare in her country.

In the realm of art, Aranzazu Quintanilla (1936-2005) was a renowned Spanish sculptor and ceramist, known for her innovative use of materials and her exploration of organic forms. Her works are displayed in numerous museums and galleries across Spain and Europe.

Aranzazu Calleja (1936-2022) was a Spanish actress who appeared in numerous films and television series throughout her career, including the acclaimed film "Viridiana" by Luis Buñuel.

Aranzazu Diaz (born 1962) is a contemporary Spanish artist known for her large-scale installations and sculptures that explore themes of identity, memory, and the human condition. Her works have been exhibited in major galleries and museums worldwide.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Aranzazu was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Aranzazu, please contact us.

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