Menjivar

There are six variations of the name, all pronounced the same: Mengivar, Mengibar, Menjibar, Menjivar, Menxibar, and Menxivar. Genealogical records show that these spellings have existed among some families. Historical records also indicate that the name underwent a morphological change from its archaic spelling "Menxivar" to its various forms, including the modern nomenclature "Mengibar." Today, the two most prominent spellings are Mengibar (mostly found in Spain) and Menjivar (found in El Salvador).

There are two major theories as to its etymology. One view holds that the name is of Basque origin. Its nomenclature indicates a topographical feature. The name Mengibar is supposedly composed of the word Mengel (weak or fragile) + the ending -ibar or -ivar (River, valley or meadow by the riverside), meaning the fragile riverside meadow. The second view maintains that the name is of Arabic origin. As evidence for this view, the history of the existing town Mengibar is presented. According to its chronicler, Sebastian Barahona, the word "Menxibar" appears in historical documents relating to the conquest of Jaen. It had reference to an Arab fortress which Fernando III conquered in 1225 A.D. During and after the conquest of the Moorish Kingdom, this location developed into a small town which was governed by the city of Jaen. It later became an independent "villa." Barahona suspects that in its early days the name had a geographical reference, indicating El Paso ("The way" toward the river of Guadalquivir). He also says that the name means La Tierra al Norte (Land to the North – meaning the north of Granada). Substantial evidence is lacking in both theories. Therefore, it is uncertain which of the two theories is to be favoured.

The town Mengibar played a central role in the origin the last name. Ecclesiastical records suggest that many people left the town due to the inquisition of 1492. A great number of families from Jaen ended up in Granada. When families migrated to Granada, they adopted their town of origin as their last name. Furthermore, the Conquest of the Americas coincided with the hardships of the inquisition. This opened new horizons for many families. It is believed that in order to avoid the repetition of common last names among colonizers, they adopted the names of towns of origin as auxiliary names. Eventually auxiliary names became the actual last names. This was the case with the Menjivars.

How the last name came to be established in Chalatenango, El Salvador, is not certain. There are, nevertheless, some items of interest as to their arrival. Listed in Chalatenango's parochial records are three individuals who are believed to be the first Menjivars in Chalatenango. These are Antonio Menjivar (1685), Bernardo Menjivar (1690), and Juan Menjivar (1695). At the time of their arrival, the population of Chalatenango was significant small. It was a relative isolated area. Indigo production was its major source of economic. And the hardships of the industry were detrimental to the population. Despite these difficulties, the Menjivars settled and remained there. Taking these hardships into account, it has been suggested that perhaps the first Menjivars came to Chalatenango seeking refuge from religious persecution. But whatever their reasons for settling in this land, it is without doubt that Chalatenango became the fountain spring for the name in the new world.

Footnote 1: The town of Mengibar is located 21 km of north of the city of Jaen in the province of Jaen (North of Granada and east of Cordoba), Spain. For history of the town Mengibar consult the site www.ayutomengibar.org or www.mengibar.org.

Nov 07, 2007 See discussion Alonso Menjivar

• 

  my caption

• 

  my caption

• 

  my caption

• 

  my caption