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ORTEGA Family History

This old Spanish surname is locational. It derives from any of the villages so named in the provinces of Burgos, La Coruna, and Jaen. The meaning is lost in the mists of time, but there is some evidence to suggest that it may derive from the ancient word 'ortiga' itself from the Roman (Latin) 'urtica', and meaning nettles. These weeds were greatly prized in ancient times for their medicinal qualities, and may have been deliberately harvested as a crop. However there is also a logical alternative in that the name could derive from 'hortus' meaning an orchard or walled garden, the Romans in particular being very keen on fruit growing.