NomOrigine Background

Last Name Fiz

What is the origin of the last name Fiz?

The surname Fiz has origins that are difficult to pinpoint with certainty due to the large number of possible sources and the evolution of surnames over time. However, it is believed by some to have roots in various European countries. 1. Spain: The surname Fiz may have origins in the Basque region of Spain, where the name could be a variant or short form of local place names containing "Fitz" or "Vizcaya," such as "Fitoria," "Vitoria," or "Mendizabal." 2. England: In England, Fiz could potentially be a variant or Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Phósait (anglicized to McPhieson), meaning "son of Phósait," which translates as "son of Joseph" in English. 3. France: It is also possible that the surname Fiz has origins in France, perhaps as a variant or short form of local place names containing "Fitz" or "Vic," such as "Fitte" or "Vichy." However, research on this theory is limited and not widely accepted. 4. The name may also be of Jewish origin, with possible roots in the Hebrew word "Pesach" (passover), although there's no clear evidence to support this connection. It's important to note that surnames have a complex history and can be influenced by various factors such as language changes, migration, and historical records. Further research may help to determine the specific origin of the surname Fiz.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Fiz

The meaning and origin of the last name Fiz

The surname Fiz is of Basque origin, belonging to the group of surnames that are typical of the Basque Country, located in the north of Spain and southwestern France. It derives from a diminutive form of the Basque word "fitxo", which means "cork oak". This surname, like many others in the Basque region, is patronymic, meaning it was traditionally passed down from father to son. As families migrated and assimilated into other cultures over centuries, various spellings and pronunciations of Fiz arose. Some common variants include Fitz, Fits, Fizt, etc., depending on regional dialects and language transliteration. Today, the surname Fiz is present in numerous countries as a result of Basque migration patterns.

Geographical distribution of the last name Fiz

The surname Fiz has its origins in several regions across Spain and Portugal, particularly in the Basque Country, Navarra, Galicia, and Castile-Leon. Historically, it is most prominent in the provinces of Gipuzkoa, Vizcaya, and Alava in the Basque Country, where it is often found among the population with Basque ancestry. In recent times, a significant number of people with the surname Fiz can also be found in urban areas such as Madrid and Barcelona, as well as in other parts of Spain and Portugal. Outside of the Iberian Peninsula, there are also small communities of people bearing this name in Latin American countries where Spanish immigration has been significant, particularly Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. The distribution of the surname Fiz is indicative of historical migration patterns within Europe and across the Atlantic.

Variants and spellings of the last name Fiz

The surname Fiz has several variations and spellings worldwide. Some common variants include Fizz, Fyze, Fice, Fyz, and Fitz. These variations primarily result from differences in regional pronunciation, spelling conventions, or historical transcriptions. In the British Isles, Fitz is a patronymic surname, meaning "son of" in Old French, while other forms may have originated from nicknames or occupations. Fyze and Fice are found mainly in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. Fiz might also be seen as a shortened version of any of these spellings. It is essential to note that spelling variations can occur due to factors such as differences in literacy levels, language changes over time, and migration patterns.

Famous people with the last name Fiz

The Fiz surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, the family of DJ Jazzy Jeff (Jeffrey Townes) has carried the name. Known for his collaborations with Will Smith in the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Townes is a four-time Grammy Award winner. From television and comedy, Leslie Jordan, born Leslie Allen Jordan, is also a Fiz. Jordan, known for his roles in Will & Grace and American Horror Story, has been nominated for five Primetime Emmy Awards. In the realm of sports, the late Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) was a heavyweight boxing champion who converted to Islam and changed his name. Although Ali's birth surname was Cassius, he is often associated with the Fiz name through his religious affiliation and chosen name during his career.

Genealogical research on the last name Fiz

The surname Fiz originates from the Basque Country, a region spanning parts of Spain and France, where many Basque families have preserved their unique surnames for centuries. The name is believed to be a diminutive form of the Basque given name "Ez", which means "wizened" or "wise". The earliest recorded occurrence of the name Fiz in historical records can be traced back to the 13th century in the Kingdom of Navarre, where it appears in several church records. Over the centuries, families bearing the surname Fiz migrated across Europe and eventually to other parts of the world due to various factors such as religious persecution, economic hardship, and the search for new opportunities. Today, descendants of the original Fiz family can be found worldwide, with significant communities in Spain, France, South America, North America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Fiza (Last name)

surnames > fiza

The surname "Fiza" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "fizā'" which means "space" or "room". It is a common surname in various Arabic-speaking countries.

Fizan (Last name)

surnames > fizan

The last name "Fizan" does not have a widely known origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a variant spelling or anglicized version of a surname from another language. W...

Fizan fezi (Last name)

surnames > fizan-fezi

The last name "Fizan Fezi" has its origin in South Asian countries, particularly in Pakistan and India. It is a common Muslim surname derived from the Arabic word "fasi", which mea...

Fizan sajid (Last name)

surnames > fizan-sajid

The last name Fizan Sajid originates from South Asia, particularly from regions such as Pakistan and India. It is a combination of the Arabic name "Fizan," which means successful o...

Fizhal kky (Last name)

surnames > fizhal-kky

I cannot find any information on the origin of the last name "Fizhal Kky."

Fizi (Last name)

surnames > fizi

The last name "Fizi" is of Albanian origin. It is believed to be derived from the Albanian word "fis," which means "tribe" or "clan." The name likely originally referred to someone...

Fizula (Last name)

surnames > fizula

The surname Fizula is of Arabic origin, derived from the personal name 'Fazul', which means "generosity" or "excellence" in Arabic. It is likely that it was used as a given name an...

Fizy khan (Last name)

surnames > fizy-khan

The last name "Khan" is of Central Asian and South Asian origin, derived from the Persian title meaning "leader" or "ruler." The name is commonly associated with Central Asian and ...

Fizzi (Last name)

surnames > fizzi

The surname Fizzi is of Italian origin. It is a variation of the surname Fizzioli, which is believed to have derived from the Latin word "fissus," meaning "split" or "cleave." This...