Last Name Meneses

The surname Meneses is of Spanish origin. It comes from the medieval Iberian peninsula, where it was initially a place name, possibly derived from the Latin "Mentia Secus" or "Minicias", which referred to a small town or settlement. During the Middle Ages, as population growth and urbanization increased, many people began to adopt occupational surnames or names associated with their place of origin to differentiate themselves from others. Over time, these surnames became hereditary, passing down through generations. The surname Meneses is found predominantly in Spain and Portugal, and its spelling may vary slightly across regions and countries due to differences in phonetics and orthography.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Meneses

The meaning and origin of the last name Meneses

The surname Meneses is of Spanish origin, primarily found in Spain and Portugal, although its bearers can be located worldwide due to historical migration patterns. The name is derived from the ancient city of Mérida in Extremadura, southwestern Spain, which was known as Emerita Augusta during Roman times. The name Mérida itself is a Latinization of the Celtic word "Egara" or "Egera," meaning "small walled town." Over time, this place name evolved into the surname Meneses, which is often associated with those who originally lived in or were from Mérida. The spelling can vary slightly depending on regional dialects and historical periods, including Minés, Menesez, Menécios, etc., but all are variations of the original name derived from Mérida.

Geographical distribution of the last name Meneses

The surname Meneses is predominantly distributed in Spanish-speaking regions, with a significant concentration in Spain and Portugal, particularly in the northern provinces such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León, where it is among the most common surnames. Outside of Europe, the name Meneses is found primarily in countries with historical ties to Spain or Portugal, such as the Philippines, Mexico, Equatorial Guinea, Cuba, and other Latin American nations, where it has been brought by Spanish or Portuguese immigrants over centuries. Additionally, smaller communities carrying the surname can be found in various parts of North America, South America, Africa, and Oceania. In these dispersed populations, the frequency of the name Meneses tends to vary greatly, reflecting the historical patterns of migration from its regions of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Meneses

The surname Meneses is predominantly found among Hispanic populations, particularly those with roots in Spain and Central America. There are several variants and spellings of this name, each having its unique origins and regional influences.

1. Menéndez: This variation originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in Spain. It is derived from the medieval Spanish personal name "Menéndez", which is a diminutive of Mendo (derived from the Visigothic name Mendrado).

2. Mendez: This spelling, while similar to Menéndez, is more common among Hispanic populations outside of Spain, particularly in Latin America. It is an anglicized form of Menéndez.

3. Maneses: This variation is a less common spelling that may be found in some regions of Spain or among descendants of the original Menéndez family who adopted this variant over time.

4. Menezes: This spelling, often found in Portugal and Brazil, originates from the Portuguese form of the name, "Menezes", which is a diminutive of Mendes, another Portuguese surname.

5. Menézec: Found among the Bretons in France, this spelling represents a Bretonized form of Menéndez. It is derived from the French personal name "Menézec".

6. Menezès: This is another variation of the Breton form of the name, representing the Breton pronunciation of the same personal name.

Each of these variants and spellings represents a unique cultural heritage and historical context that adds to the rich tapestry of the Meneses family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Meneses

The Meneses family has contributed significantly to various fields across the globe. One of the most notable members is Juan Pablo Meneses, a Chilean professional footballer who played as a central defender for Colo-Colo and the Chile national team. In music, there is Julieta Venegas, a Mexican singer-songwriter, producer, and actress whose works have been recognized with multiple Latin Grammy Awards. In the realm of politics, María Elena Meneses served as Nicaragua's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2007 to 2013. In sports again, Carlos Meneses is a Venezuelan former long-distance runner who represented his country at the 1984 Summer Olympics and held the South American record for the marathon for over two decades. These individuals exemplify the multifaceted achievements of the Meneses family.

Genealogical research on the last name Meneses

The Meneses surname is of Spanish origin and has Moorish roots, with its etymology potentially derived from the Arabic word "mansiyyah," meaning "small village." The first documented use of the name can be traced back to medieval Spain during the Christian Reconquista period. Over time, as the region was reclaimed by Christians, many Moors and their descendants converted or were forced to assimilate, adopting Christian names and surnames such as Meneses. The name spread throughout Iberia before reaching South America with the Spanish colonization in the late 15th century. Today, Meneses is a common surname in countries like Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines. It continues to be passed down through generations, reflecting the rich cultural history of its bearers.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Meneses"
• 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 : 14 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends