Last Name Delrio

The surname Delrio has Spanish origins. It is derived from the Latin "delirium," meaning madness or folly. In medieval times, this surname may have been given to someone who was considered eccentric or unpredictable, much like the word "delirious." Over time, it became a hereditary name for various families across Spain and Hispanic communities around the world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Delrio

The meaning and origin of the last name Delrio

The surname Del Rio, translated from Spanish as "of the river," is a geographical or topographic name, indicating an original inhabitant resided by a river or ford. It has its origins in Spain and Portugal, where it was commonly given to individuals who lived near a significant body of water. Over time, as people emigrated, the surname spread across Europe and eventually to other continents due to colonization and migration waves. In many cases, variations of the name can be found throughout the Spanish and Portuguese-speaking world, such as Del Río, Del Riu, or Del Rio in Spain and Portugal; Dele Rive or Delarive in France; or del Rio in English-speaking countries. Notable individuals with this surname include Spanish philosopher and writer José Ortega y Gasset (Ortega y Gasset del Rio), and French physicist Pierre Del Rio.

Geographical distribution of the last name Delrio

The surname Del Rio is predominantly distributed across Spain and Portugal, reflecting its origins from these countries. In Spain, it is most prevalent in the regions of Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, Valencia, and the Canary Islands, with significant concentrations also found in Catalonia, Galicia, and Aragon. In Portugal, Del Rio is commonly found in the northern regions such as Minho, Douro, Trás-os-Montes, Beira Alta, and Aveiro. Smaller numbers of people bearing this surname can be found in Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the United States, where it is believed to have been carried over by Spanish and Portuguese immigrants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Delrio

The surname Delrio has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Some common spelling variants include De Lrio, Del Río, del Riò, Del Rieu, Dele Rie, De Lierou, Del Rey, and Dele Rio. These variations may appear in English, Spanish, French, or Italian records depending on the origins of the individual bearing the name. The most common spelling is Del Río, which is of Spanish origin, meaning "of the river." It is important to note that these variations may have different pronunciations and meanings in their respective languages. Researching the historical context and geographical location can help in accurately identifying and tracing a specific lineage or heritage associated with this name.

Famous people with the last name Delrio

The Del Rio family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is Eva Del Rio (1926-2019), a Mexican actress who achieved fame during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. She was known for her roles in films such as "The Three Caballeros" and "El Santo Contra las Mummias."

Another well-known individual with the last name Del Rio is Salma Hayek (born 1966), a Mexican-American actress, producer, and activist. She has had an illustrious career in Hollywood, starring in films like "Frida," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, and the successful TV series "Ugly Betty."

In the world of politics, Juan Pablo Del Rio (1942-2018) served as the Governor of Yucatan from 2007 to 2015. He was a prominent figure in the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and played a significant role in the economic development of his state.

Lastly, Eduardo Del Rio (1936-2016), born in Mexico City, was an accomplished actor who gained international fame through his roles in films such as "Apocalypse Now" and "The Wild Bunch." He also worked extensively in Spanish television.

Genealogical research on the last name Delrio

The Delrio surname is of Spanish origin, derived from the Roman family name De' Lara, which means "of Lara," referring to a historic region in northern Spain. The first recorded spelling of this name can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 13th century. One of the earliest known bearers was Pedro de Lara (Latinized as Petrus De Lara), who lived in Castile during the Reconquista. Over time, the surname evolved into its current form: Delrio. The family spread throughout Spain and later immigrated to other parts of Europe and America. Notable Delrios include Manuel del Río y Salinas, a Spanish naval officer who played a significant role in the Spanish colonial conquest of the Philippines, and Juan Carlos Del Rio Hererra, a prominent Mexican jurist. The Delrio family tree is extensive, with many branches across the globe, maintaining their connection to their shared Spanish heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Delrio"
• 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 : 10 June 2025

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