Last Names and Origins

LIZETH DIAZ REYES

The Story Behind the “Reyes” Family Name.

The meaning of the surname “Reyes” has to do with the word Rey which comes from the Latin Rex and Regis which indicates 'capacity to rule' therefore those who carry it have the meaning of 'he who knows how to rule'.

The regions associated with the surname Reyes are: Spain, Latin America and the Philippines.

Spain.

The surname Reyes emerged in Spain during the Middle Ages and is strongly related to the Reconquest, a period in which they sought to recover the territories occupied by the Muslims in the Iberian Peninsula.

It was common for people to adopt surnames related to religion, and “Reyes” was linked to royalty and Christianity.

Latin America.

With the conquest and colonization of America by the Spanish, the surname Reyes arrived in the New World. This process began in the 16th century and extended the surname to several regions, mainly:

Mexico: many Reyes families settled in this territory during the colonial era, particularly in the central and southern states.

Central America and the Caribbean: The surname also spread to countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Cuba.

South America: In countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru, the Kings have been present since the colonial period.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE.

The surname “Reyes” is related to monarchy, since “kings” refers to sovereign figures, and its adoption may have been a symbol of loyalty or aspiration towards nobility and authority in the Middle Ages.

In many cases, surnames such as kings were given to people who served royalty or were under their protection.

Although it is not a strictly toponymic surname, it is linked to places with names related to royalty or religious traditions, such as churches or festivities dedicated to the Three Kings.

In America, the Reyes surname was adapted and mixed with indigenous and African cultures, forming part of the process of mestizaje.

Reyes families participated in colonial activities such as agriculture, mining and trade, and many settled in rural areas or in key cities such as Puebla (Mexico), Lima (Peru), and Bogotá (Colombia).

In the Philippines, during Spanish colonization (1565-1898), the surname Reyes was adopted by many native families as part of the surname system imposed by Governor Narciso Claveria in 1849. This marked an important expansion of the surname outside the Spanish-American world.

The Story Behind the “Díaz” Family Name.

Díaz is a surname originally from Spain. It has a patronymic origin and is derived from the proper names Diago and Diego.

Although it is not known exactly the first family that carried this surname, historians say that one of the lineages would be the one to which Alfonso Diaz belonged, one of the 300 Christian knights who conquered the square of Baeza. This feat was recorded because it was the reason why Don Alfonso Díaz received the favor of the famous Count of Lara.

Diaz is one of the most common Spanish surnames, but also in Latin America and other countries.

ARIADNE DENISSE LEYVA CORTES

The Story Behind the “Leyva” Family Name

Leyva means "to put forth the law" and refers to the reforms of Christian laws introduced during the battles against the Muslims in Spain. When the indigenous tribes of Latin America were colonized by the Portuguese and Spanish, it was said that only those bearing the name Leyva were allowed to spread the word of God. It was also said that previous generations of the Leyva family had contributed to the creation of Canon Law for the Catholic Church. Leyva family led Christian conquests in Spain, reclaiming land that had been taken by the Muslims.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL

After the fall of Granada in 1492, Spain began its imperial expansion, supporting Christopher Columbus’s voyages. During colonization, many settlers with the surname Leyva established themselves in the Caribbean and Latin America, where the name remains common, as well as in the Philippines and parts of the U.S. (Florida, New Mexico, California, and Texas).

The Leyva surname originated in Castile, Spain, within the Iberian Peninsula, inhabited by the Iberians since 3000 BC. The name is believed to have Sephardic roots, tracing back to the Tribe of Levi in Israel. Jews were brought back to the peninsula to aid in its development and protect against Muslim attacks. Variations in the spelling of the surname, such as Levi, Leiva, or Leiba, reflect its Jewish heritage.

IMPORTANCE IN AMERICA

The surname Leyva originated in the Castile region, where it developed from the interaction of different cultures, including the Iberian and the Celtic. As Christians reconquered territory, the surname began to be used by families who played key roles in society and politics. The surname became popular in the 16th century when Francisco Leiva became one of the first colonizers in America, specifically in 1528. This marked the beginning of an extensive history of the Leyva family in the New World.

The Story Behind the “Cortes” Family Name

The surname Cortes made a significant mark in history during the Reconquista, a time when the nobility played a crucial role in the struggle for Iberian territories. As borders were consolidated, many noble families adopted surnames that reflected their status and connection to the court. In this context, several members of the Cortes family distinguished themselves as conquerors and soldiers, ensuring the surname's legacy across generations.

Over time, the Cortes surname spread across different regions of Spain and Latin America, influenced by colonization and migration. In some cases, descendants of these noble families intermarried with indigenous groups and other settlers, creating a rich cultural fusion that has shaped the history of the name. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the Cortesfamily became even more dispersed, with many of its members establishing themselves in various sectors of society, from politics to science.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

Throughout history, numerous individuals have carried the Cortes surname, excelling in multiple fields. One of the most renowned figures is Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that resulted in the fall of the Aztec Empire, though it should be noted that he did not bear the surname Cortes Cortes in its extended form. Other notable figures in culture, art, and politics have contributed to the legacy of this surname, including artists, scientists, and community leaders who have left a lasting impact on society. These individuals have helped shape the contemporary narrative of the Cortes name, demonstrating its adaptability and influence over time.

IMPORTANCE IN AMERICA

The history of the Cortés surname dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a patronymic name, meaning a name derived from a father or ancestor. In this case, the surname Cortés comes from the name "Cortés," which was a common name in the region of Castile and León in the 12th century.

The Cortés surname was primarily established in the region of Andalusia, particularly in the provinces of Seville and Cádiz. During the Reconquista, the Cortés family actively participated in the fight against the Muslims and settled in reconquered territories.

In the 16th century, the Cortés surname spread to Latin America, especially to Mexico, Peru, and Colombia, where its bearers became colonizers and city founders.

The coat of arms of the Cortés surname features a blue field with a gold cross and a silver sword in the upper left canton.

NAYELLI COSME GARCIA

The Story Behind the “Cosme” Family Name

The surname Cosme originates from the Greek name Kosmas, meaning "ordered" or "adorned." During the Middle Ages, Cosme became a surname in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. In the Iberian Peninsula, it was prevalent in Castile, Andalusia, and Portugal, later spreading to Latin America. In Italy, it is linked to Tuscany and is more common in Sicily and Calabria due to Greek and Byzantine influences.

EVOLUTION THROUGH MIGRATION

With the arrival of Europeans in America, the surname Cosme traveled with Spanish and Portuguese migrants, adapting to the new cultural environments.

Mexico and Peru: Some colonial records show people with the surname Cosme in viceregal administrations and indigenous communities.

Brazil: Portuguese influence brought the surname to rural and urban areas, often in communities of African and mestizo origin.

Argentina and Paraguay: It arrived with Spanish families who settled in cities and cattle ranches.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

The surname Cosme is closely linked to the figure of Saint Cosmas, a Christian physician from the 3rd century . Is cult spread throughout Europe and America, influencing the use of the name and its conversion into a surname. In some regions, the surname Cosme has been linked to agricultural and fishing communities, reflecting its association with traditional trades and the daily life of the populations.

The Story Behind the “Garcia” Family Name

The surname García has ancient origins, though its exact meaning remains uncertain. One widely supported theory links it to the Basque word (h)artz, meaning 'bear.' This suggests it may have originally referred to a "bear family" or descendants known for their strength and bravery.

EVOLUTION THROUGH MIGRATION

Garcia is a surname of the homonymous given name García, widespread throughout the Iberian Peninsula (particularly in Spain and Andorra, where it is the most common surname), where it originated, as well as in the Philippines and Latin America. The conventional and accepted abbreviation is "G.". In Portuguese and Catalan Garcia has no accent and is found, although less frequently, in Portugal and Brazil.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

The surname García holds significant cultural importance due to its antiquity, presence in the Spanish-speaking world, and possible Basque origin. It is one of the oldest and most common surnames in Spain and Latin America. Its common use dates back to the Reconquista, when many families adopted it. Later, Spanish colonizers introduced it to the Americas, where it became deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of numerous communities. Many notable figures have carried the García surname, including writer Gabriel García Márque. Its presence across various disciplines underscores its influence in Hispanic culture and global history. Today, García remains a symbol of heritage and identity for countless families, reflecting both its historical significance.

XANIA MONSERRATH ALFARO PÉREZ

The Story Behind The "Alfaro" Family Name

The surname Alfaro originates from the town of Alfaro, located in the La Rioja province in northern Spain. This surname is toponymic in nature, meaning it derives from the name of a geographical place. The word Alfaro likely comes from the Arabic "al" (the) and "faro" (lighthouse or beacon), suggesting a meaning like "the lighthouse" or "the beacon," possibly symbolizing a point of reference or signal for travelers.

The town of Alfaro has been inhabited since Roman times, but it became more significant during the medieval period, when it became a key location due to its strategic position on the Camino de Santiago, one of the most important pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The surname spread from the La Rioja region to other parts of Spain, particularly to areas near the Pyrenees and in southern Navarra, where families bearing this surname became notable.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

Originally, the surname spread throughout La Rioja and later into other regions of Spain, including Castilla, where it became established in towns such as Los Villares and Magaña. During the Spanish colonization, the Alfaro surname was introduced to Latin America, becoming particularly common in countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Argentina. Today, Mexico has the highest number of people with this surname, while Costa Rica has the highest density of bearers.

CULTURAL IMPORTANCE

The surname Alfaro has had considerable cultural importance both in Spain and Latin America. In Spain, the Alfaro family has been associated with noble lineages, and several members of this family held prominent roles in the history of the country, such as military figures, nobles, and political leaders who influenced the development of different regions. The surname is also strongly tied to religious tradition, with several family members playing key roles in parishes and the Catholic Church. In Latin America, particularly in countries such as Mexico and Colombia, the surname Alfaro is widespread due to Spanish migration during the colonial era. In these regions, many families bearing the surname have made significant contributions to politics, arts, and culture, helping shape the development of local communities. In many cases, the Alfaro family members have been known for their leadership roles, such as politicians or social activists, advocating for the rights and well-being of the people. This broad presence of the Alfaro family across various cultural spheres has helped shape the identity of several generations, further solidifying their cultural legacy.

The Story Behind the “Pérez” Family Name”

The last name Pérez has deep roots in Spanish history and patronymic traditions. This type of last name, formed from an ancestor’s name, was common in the Middle Ages. Pérez comes from the given name Pedro, which originates from the Latin Petrus, meaning "rock" or "stone." The name Pedro became popular in medieval Europe due to its connection with Saint Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and an important figure in Christianity.

The suffix -ez, common in many Spanish last names, means "son of." So, Pérez literally means "son of Pedro." This reflects the importance of Christian names and family identity across generations. The use of biblical names like Pedro was widespread in medieval Iberia, especially after the conversion of the Visigoths to Christianity.

Pérez became a distinctive last name during the Middle Ages, particularly in Christian kingdoms fighting to reclaim land during the Reconquista. Last names not only reflected genealogy but also helped identify families with political or military influence. Over time, Pérez was passed down through generations, spreading across the Iberian Peninsula, especially in rural areas where patronymic traditions remained strong.

The last name’s popularity was also influenced by medieval social structures, where names and last names helped establish status. People with the last name Pérez likely descended from middle- or upper-class families. Additionally, its religious significance was important, as Saint Peter was highly venerated in medieval Spain. Some families may have even adopted the last name as a way to honor Saint Peter or express their connection to the Church.

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION

The last name Pérez is widespread across various regions. In Spain, it ranks as the eighth most common surname, with significant concentrations in provinces like Ourense, Huelva, Zamora, Palencia, and Pontevedra.

In Mexico, Pérez holds the sixth position among the most frequent surnames, with over 2.4 million individuals bearing it.The surname is also prevalent in other Latin American countries. For instance, in Venezuela, it is the third most common surname.

In the Caribbean, Pérez is notably common in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. In Cuba, it ranks as the second most common surname, with approximately 300,189 individuals bearing the name. In the Dominican Republic, it holds the second position, with around 158,059 individuals.

Globally, the surname Pérez is found in countries with significant Spanish-speaking populations, such as the United States, Colombia, Argentina, and Chile.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The last name Pérez carries strong cultural and historical significance, especially in Spanish-speaking communities. As a patronymic last name, it highlights the tradition of passing down family identity through generations. Since Pérez means "son of Pedro," it reflects the deep influence of Christian names in Iberian history, particularly during the Middle Ages when religion played a central role in society.

In Latin America, the last name Pérez became deeply embedded in national identities. It is common among people of diverse social backgrounds, showing how Spanish heritage shaped local cultures. The last name is often linked to strong family values, religious traditions, and a sense of belonging.

In modern times, Pérez remains one of the most recognizable last names in the Spanish-speaking world. It has been carried by influential figures in politics, sports, literature, and entertainment, reinforcing its cultural importance. From historical figures to contemporary celebrities, the last name Pérez continues to be a symbol of Hispanic heritage and identity.

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