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Help[Surname] Re: Garcia Etymology and Origin
in reply to a message by Alex
Some commentators raise the possibility that the name is from the long defunct Old Iberian language, and consequently beyond explanation. I agree that a common origin with the French surname Gars is likely, but the explanation of that name that I've heard is that it means "manservant". I've also read that it (Gars) derives from a Germanic word meaning "work".
I have noted a repeated occurence of the forename Garcia in a genealogical chart of the old Dukes of Gascony. It might be helpful to learn if their origins were Germanic (Frankish) or Basque.
I wonder if the popularity of Garcia as a given name in Medieval Spain had anything to do with the cult of a Spanish saint, García of Arlanza, died c.1073?
I have noted a repeated occurence of the forename Garcia in a genealogical chart of the old Dukes of Gascony. It might be helpful to learn if their origins were Germanic (Frankish) or Basque.
I wonder if the popularity of Garcia as a given name in Medieval Spain had anything to do with the cult of a Spanish saint, García of Arlanza, died c.1073?
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