Oquendo

Oquendo is a surname of Basque origin, specifically a Castilianized variant of Okendo. Originally, it indicated a person from the town of Okondo in Álava, northern Spain. The name is possibly derived from the Basque word ukondo meaning "elbow", likely referring to a bend in a river or a geographic feature.

Notable Bearers

The surname Oquendo has been borne by several notable individuals, particularly in the Spanish-speaking world and among the Basque diaspora. In naval history, Antonio de Oquendo (1577–1640) was a prominent Spanish admiral who commanded the Spanish fleet during the Eighty Years' War and led expeditions against the Dutch.

In sports, the name is well represented: José Oquendo (born 1963) is a former Puerto Rican Major League Baseball infielder and coach; Fres Oquendo (born 1973) is a Puerto Rican heavyweight boxer; Jonathan Oquendo (born 1983) is a Puerto Rican professional boxer; Angel Oquendo is a Puerto Rican actor; and Carlos Oquendo (born 1987) is a Colombian cyclist. Additionally, Carlos Oquendo de Amat (1905–1936) was a Peruvian poet associated with avant-garde movements.

In the Andes, the feminine form Oquendina appears as a rare Hispanic first name in the region.

• Meaning: Person from Okondo (Basque "ukondo" = elbow)
• Origin: Basque
• Type: Surname (locative/habitational)
• Usage Regions: Spain (especially Basque Country), Latin America