Last Name Ferriz

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ferriz

The meaning and origin of the last name Ferriz

The surname "Ferriz" is of Spanish origin, stemming from the medieval period when most Spanish families adopted patronymic surnames, indicating the son or descendant of an individual with a particular name. In this case, "Ferriz" appears to be derived from the given name "Ferrus," which has Latin roots. The Latin word "ferrum" means iron, suggesting that an ancestor was strong, resilient, or associated with ironwork in some way. Over time, spellings and pronunciations have varied within different regions of Spain and among those who migrated to other countries. Today, the surname "Ferriz" is common throughout Spain and among Spanish-speaking communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ferriz

The surname "Ferriz" is predominantly found in Spain, particularly in regions such as Galicia, Cantabria, Castile and León, and Catalonia. According to genealogical databases, it is one of the most common last names in several Spanish provinces, including Lugo, La Coruña, Santander, Palencia, and Barcelona. Outside Spain, small populations with the last name Ferriz are found primarily in Latin American countries with a significant Spanish influence, such as Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are individuals with this surname in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, where it is believed to have originated from Spanish immigrants or their descendants.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ferriz

The surname "Ferriz" has various spellings and variations worldwide. Here are some of them:

1. Ferris - A common spelling variant, especially in English-speaking countries.
2. Ferraz - This is an alternative spelling that can be found particularly among Spanish speakers.
3. Ferrez - Another possible variation, it may appear less frequently than the other spellings.
4. Ferriss - A more uncommon variation with an extra 's' at the end.
5. Ferritz - A less conventional spelling, which could potentially arise due to errors in transcription or transliteration over time.
6. Pharris - While not a direct spelling variant of Ferriz, it is phonetically similar and may be found among individuals with different ancestral origins.
7. Firrizo (Italian) and Ferrise (Maltese) - These are ethnic derivations from the original surname that originated in Spain or Portugal but were later adopted by immigrants to Italy or Malta.

Famous people with the last name Ferriz

Amongst individuals bearing the surname "Ferriz," several notable figures can be found across various fields. In the realm of literature, Jose Lezama Lima, a Cuban poet and literary critic, is one of the most prominent figures with this last name. His works are considered cornerstones in 20th-century Cuban literature. Another significant figure is Juan Antonio Fernandez Hurtado, better known as "Juanfer," a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team, winning multiple championships throughout his career. In the world of science, Lourdes Baez Ferriz, a Cuban-American immunologist, has made significant contributions to the field of neuroimmunology. Lastly, Manuel Ferriz y Carvajal, a Spanish painter from the Romantic era, is celebrated for his portraits and historical paintings that captured the spirit of Spain during his time. These are some of the notable people with the surname "Ferriz," each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Ferriz

The surname Ferriz, originating from the Basque region of Spain and France, is believed to have derived from the word "herri" meaning "village" or "land." It is one of the numerous Basque surnames that are territorial in origin. Early records show the name emerging in the 16th century, with notable bearers appearing throughout the Basque provinces of Navarre and Guipuzcoa.

Migration from the Basque region saw the spread of the Ferriz name to other parts of Spain, particularly Catalonia and Castile, as well as Latin America due to colonization efforts. In the Americas, the name can be found in countries such as Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Cuba. The family name has also made its way to the United States, with significant populations residing in California, Texas, and Florida.

Researching the genealogy of the Ferriz surname is facilitated by various online resources, including the Basque Genealogical Society, Ancestry.com, and Findmypast.org. These platforms provide access to birth, marriage, and death records, census data, immigration lists, and other valuable sources for family history research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ferriz"
• 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