Last Name Arraez

The surname Arraez is most likely of Basque origin, specifically from the region around the town of Arrazua-Ubarrundia in the province of Gipuzkoa, Spain. The name has been documented since at least the 10th century and comes from the Basque word "arratz" meaning oak tree or grove. The "e" suffix added to the end is a common practice for creating patronymic surnames, where the name indicates that a person belongs to someone else who shares the same first name. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and history of any surname can vary depending on specific family lineages and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Arraez

The meaning and origin of the last name Arraez

The surname Arraez is of Spanish origin, derived from a place name or a personal name that has been localized and adopted as a surname. The root "Arraz" or "Arráz" refers to a fortified tower in the medieval Castilian language, indicating that the original bearers of this surname may have lived near such a structure or were associated with it in some way. Alternatively, it could also be derived from the personal name "Arias," which is a common Spanish name composed of the elements "hari" (meaning army) and "az" (diminutive suffix). Over time, the pronunciation and spelling of the surname may have evolved into the current form, Arraez. The surname is popular in Spain and Latin America, particularly in countries with a significant Spanish influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Arraez

The surname Arraez is predominantly found in Venezuela and Spain, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Venezuela, it is most common in the western regions such as Táchira, Merida, and Zulia, reflecting the area's historical links to the Canary Islands of Spain where the name also has a high prevalence. Smaller populations can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Colombia and Argentina, due to migration from Venezuela over the past few decades. Outside of Latin America, there are pockets of Arraez families in the United States, particularly in states with large Venezuelan communities such as Florida, New York, and California. Additionally, some individuals bearing this surname can be found in Spain, primarily in the Canary Islands and Madrid.

Variants and spellings of the last name Arraez

The surname Arraez has several variations and spellings, most of which stem from its origins in Spain. Some of these include Arraze, Araez, Arayz, Arrais, and Areiz. These variations may result from differences in regional pronunciation, transcription errors during immigration, or deliberate alterations to fit local linguistic conventions. In English-speaking countries, the most common spelling is Arraez. Other spellings such as Arrez, Arayzze, and Areyz may be less common but still exist due to personal preference or historical reasons. It's essential to understand that variations in surnames can provide valuable insights into a person's family history and cultural background.

Famous people with the last name Arraez

Notable individuals with the surname Arraez include:

1. Jorge Arraez (born 1963), a Venezuelan football coach who has managed teams such as Deportivo Táchira, Caracas FC, and Atlético Venezuela. He also served as the national team manager of Venezuela from 2011 to 2017.

2. Israel de la Cruz Arraez (born 1998), commonly known as Izarra, is a Venezuelan professional footballer who plays as a forward for Serie A club Genoa and the Venezuela national team. He has been compared to Lionel Messi due to his dribbling skills and creativity.

3. Eduardo Arraez-Azuara (born 1960), a Mexican economist who served as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury in the administration of President Donald Trump from February 2017 until January 2021. Prior to this, he worked at various international organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

4. Jesus Aguilar Arraez (born 1989), a professional baseball player who currently plays for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played for the Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds in MLB.

5. Jose Arraez (born 1997), an American professional baseball second baseman who currently plays for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB). He was named the American League Rookie of the Month twice during his rookie season in 2019.

Genealogical research on the last name Arraez

The surname Arraez originates from the Basque region, specifically in the province of Guipuzcoa, Spain. It is a toponymic name derived from various locations such as Arratz, a town near San Sebastian, or Arrazola, a village in the valley of Oiarzabal. The first recorded instances of the name date back to the 13th century, with villagers from these regions emigrating to other parts of Spain and Portugal due to economic hardships and political conflicts. The family name later spread across Europe during the colonial era as Basque immigrants ventured to the Americas. In Latin America, particularly in Venezuela and Puerto Rico, Arraez is a common surname, reflecting the influence of Spanish colonization. Notable individuals with this last name include Luis Arraez, a Major League Baseball player from Venezuela, and Rafael Arraez, a Puerto Rican politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Arraez"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends