There are many theories about the origin of this surname. Most of them coincide in assuring that it originated in Cantabria (Asturias de Santillana, Spain). Some state that it is a toponymic surname that comes from the words "Quijas, or "Quixal" or "Quijal", which refer to a place where animal jaw bones were found.
Another theory says that it comes from the descendants of the people who inhabited VALLE DE BUELNA (Cantabria).
All of the above are unproved theories, though.
Interesting piece of information, the most famous bearer of this surname is
Alonso Quijano, better know as
Don Quijote de la Mancha (by
Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra). The most famous "Hidalgo" (gentleman) in the Spanish literature history.
Hope this helps,
Magia.
This message was edited 11/19/2004, 8:20 AM