Last Name Del-Rio

The surname "Del Rio" has Spanish origins. It translates to "of the river" in English and is a common surname among Spanish-speaking populations. This surname can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was often given as a geographical name, indicating a person from a place near a river or a river crossing. The exact origin of the name Del Rio may vary depending on the specific region and family in question.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Del-Rio

The meaning and origin of the last name Del-Rio

The surname Del Rio is of Spanish origin, derived from the geographical location of a place called "El Río" (the river) or "Del Río" (of the river). This surname was likely first used by someone who lived near a significant river or stream in Spain. Over time, it spread across various regions as families moved and migrated. The name is common not only in Spain but also in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Cuba due to historical colonization and migration patterns. Today, the Del Rio surname can be found among individuals of Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino descent worldwide. It is a testament to the rich history and movement of populations across the Iberian Peninsula and beyond.

Geographical distribution of the last name Del-Rio

The surname Del-Rio is predominantly distributed across Spain and Portugal, with significant concentrations in those countries due to historical and cultural reasons. In Spain, it is most frequently found in regions like Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, Andalusia, and the Canary Islands. In Portugal, it is particularly common in the Algarve region and Lisbon area. Additionally, there are substantial populations of people with the Del-Rio surname in Latin America, notably in Mexico, Argentina, and other Spanish-speaking countries where immigration from Spain occurred during colonial times. Smaller groups can also be found in the United States, particularly in states with large Hispanic or Latino communities such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Del-Rio

The surname Del-Rio can have several variations and spellings due to regional pronunciation differences and historical record transliterations. Some common variants include Del Rio, Del Río, DeLario, DeLaryo, Delerio, Delaryo, D'Elario, D'Elaryo, DelaRio, and Delarío. These variations primarily differ in the capitalization of the hyphen and the use of accents or no accents on the second part of the name. It is also worth noting that some individuals may have slightly different spellings based on their specific family lineage or personal preference.

Famous people with the last name Del-Rio

Notable individuals with the surname Del Rio include Rosie Perez, an accomplished actress and dancer who gained prominence for her roles in films such as Do The Right Thing and Fearless. Additionally, there is Christine Del Rio, a renowned American conductor, musicologist, and academic, known for her expertise in medieval music and her work with the Boston Early Music Festival. In the world of professional wrestling, Chavo Guerrero Jr., whose real name is Omar Rodriguez-Del Rio, has gained recognition as a multiple-time champion across various promotions. Lastly, Joaquín Delgado Del Río, also known by his stage name El Hijo del Santo, is a Mexican luchador enmascarado (masked professional wrestler), following in the footsteps of his father, El Santo. These individuals represent various fields and have made significant contributions to their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Del-Rio

The Del-Rio surname has roots in Spain and Portugal. Originating from the River Dele (in Leon, Spain) or Rio (meaning 'river' in Portuguese), it was primarily a location name for people living near these geographical features.

The earliest known record of a Del-Rio is found in 1296, with Alvaro del Río in Castile, Spain. The family then expanded into the neighboring regions of Galicia and Andalusia. In the 15th century, some Del-Rios migrated to Portugal and established themselves in regions such as Lisbon and the Algarve.

The Del-Rios played significant roles in Spanish and Portuguese history, with notable members like Fray Bartolomé de la Casa, a Dominican friar who supported indigenous rights during the conquest of the Americas, and Antonio José de Irisarri y del Río, a 19th-century jurist who was instrumental in drafting the Spanish Constitution of 1876.

In modern times, the Del-Rio family can be found worldwide due to diaspora, including in countries like Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and the United States. The surname has seen numerous variants over time, such as del Rio, del Río, Delrio, or Deleiro.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Del-Rio"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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