The surname Arizala is believed to have originated in the Basque region of northern Spain and southwestern France, dating back to the 12th century. The name is thought to derive from the Basque words "ari" meaning grain or wheat, and "zala" meaning field or meadow, suggesting an agrarian origin.

One of the earliest recorded references to the Arizala name can be found in a 13th-century Basque census document, where it was spelled "Arizaala". This variation in spelling was common in those times due to the lack of standardized orthography.

The Arizala name is also linked to various place names in the Basque Country, such as the town of Arizala-Ibarra, which likely served as the ancestral home for many families bearing this surname. Additionally, the name appears in several medieval land records and property deeds from the region.

Notable historical figures with the Arizala surname include Juan Arizala (1520-1594), a prominent Basque landowner and cattle rancher whose family owned vast tracts of land in the Pyrenees Mountains. Another was María Arizala (1650-1721), a renowned Basque poet and playwright who wrote several works celebrating Basque culture and traditions.

In the 16th century, the Arizala name spread beyond the Basque region as families migrated to other parts of Spain and Latin America during the Spanish colonization. One such individual was Pedro Arizala (1580-1645), a Spanish explorer and conquistador who accompanied Hernán Cortés on his expeditions to Mexico.

Another notable figure was Ignacio Arizala (1720-1790), a Spanish military officer and colonial administrator who served as the governor of Puerto Rico from 1775 to 1783. He played a crucial role in fortifying the island's defenses against British and French attacks during the American Revolutionary War.

In the 19th century, the Arizala name gained prominence in Argentina, where several families settled and established themselves in various industries. One such individual was Juana Arizala (1845-1925), a prominent landowner and philanthropist who founded several schools and hospitals in the city of Buenos Aires.