The surname Juez is of Spanish origin. It derives from the Old Castilian word "juzgar," which means "to judge." In feudal Spain, it was often a surname given to those who worked in the judicial system or served as judges. This practice dates back to the Middle Ages when such occupations were hereditary. Over time, this surname became common among various Spanish-speaking populations.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Juez
The meaning and origin of the last name Juez
The surname Juez is of Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name for a judge or magistrate. The word "juez" means 'judge' in Spanish, and this surname was commonly given to individuals who held judicial positions during the Middle Ages in Spain. The name may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was particularly fair-minded or authoritative, reflecting their demeanor rather than their occupation. It is one of the most common surnames in Spain and has variations such as Juiz and Judice in Portuguese and Judas in Hebrew. Over time, the Juez surname has been carried by immigrants to other parts of the world, notably Latin America and the United States, where it continues to be a prominent name among Spanish-speaking communities.
Geographical distribution of the last name Juez
The surname Juez is primarily found in Spain and Portugal, with the highest concentrations within these regions. In Spain, it is most common in the Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Valencia regions, reflecting its historical origins in the Iberian Peninsula. The name Juez, which translates to 'judge' in English, was often given to individuals associated with the legal profession or those who held positions of authority.
In Portugal, Juez is less common but still present, particularly in the northern regions such as Porto and Braga. It's worth noting that due to emigration patterns over centuries, variations of the surname Juez can also be found in countries where there is a significant presence of Spanish or Portuguese descendants, such as Latin America, the United States, and parts of Africa.
Variants and spellings of the last name Juez
The surname Juez has several variants and spellings due to regional dialects, transliteration, and historical influences. Here are some common versions:
* Juéz (with an acute accent on the e) is the original Spanish spelling, which indicates a short 'e' sound.
* Juice, Juiz, and Juz are English variations, reflecting the pronunciation of the name in English-speaking countries, with a long 'i' sound.
* Giudice (Italian) and Juges (French) are the Italian and French translations of the Spanish surname Juez, respectively. These translations indicate the profession of judge, as "juez" means "judge" in Spanish.
* Jewis or Jowis can be found among Sephardic Jewish families who emigrated from Spain during the Inquisition, and these variations may reflect a phonetic adaptation of the name to other languages.
* The surname can also take on regional variations within Spain, such as Juéz de la Fuente or Juéz Montesinos, which include additional patronymics or geographical references.
Famous people with the last name Juez
Notable individuals with the surname Juez include:
1. Ricardo José Juez (born 1957), an Argentine football goalkeeper who played for clubs such as River Plate and Racing Club, as well as the Argentina national team.
2. Juan Carlos Juez (born 1960), a Spanish basketball player who competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics.
3. Mariano Juez (born 1972), an Argentine footballer who played for teams like Velez Sarsfield, River Plate, and Boca Juniors, and represented Argentina at international level.
4. José Juez Castro (born 1981), a Spanish professional road racing cyclist who has competed in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España.
5. Alejandro Juez (born 1987), an Argentine footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams like Defensa y Justicia, Almagro, and San Lorenzo de Alem.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields of sports, demonstrating athletic prowess and dedication to their careers.
Genealogical research on the last name Juez
The surname Juez, originating from Spain, is primarily found in regions like Castile and Aragon. The name is derived from the Old French "juge," meaning judge or magistrate. In medieval times, many individuals bearing this surname may have held positions of authority as legal officials. Over time, the name spread to other countries due to migration waves, with significant populations found in Latin America, particularly Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, as a result of Spanish colonization. In the United States, Juez is predominantly concentrated in states like California, Florida, and Texas, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Spain and Latin America. Notable figures bearing this surname include Argentine politician Jorge Luis Juez and Mexican businessman Eduardo Juez.
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 :
Share the origin of your last name with your friends
The last name "Juel Hok" has origins in Norway. "Juel" is a Danish and Norwegian surname that may have derived from the old Norse name "Jól". "Hok" is also a surname of Norwegian ...
The last name "Juelar" is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "juela," which means a tool used for mowing. The surname may have originally been used to refer to ...
The last name "Juelmiah" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English or any other language. It is possible that the name is a variant or a combination of differe...
The surname Juen or Juin is of German and French origin. It derives from various sources. In German, it can be a shortened form of Johann, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. ...
The surname Juergens is of German origin. It is derived from a personal name composed of the elements "Jurgen," which is a medieval form of George, and "-s" which is a common Germa...
