Last Name Merida

The surname "Merida" has multiple origins due to its popularity across different cultures. However, one of the most common origins is from Spain. In Spanish, "Merida" refers to a city located in the autonomous community of Extremadura, which is one of the oldest cities in the Iberian Peninsula and is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins. The surname could have been taken from this city or from other places with similar names in different countries where Spanish is spoken. Another possible origin is from the medieval Latin "Meridiana," which means south, due to its association with the meridian line on a map. It's also worth noting that the surname could have origins in other languages as well, such as Arabic or Hebrew. In Arabic, "Merida" translates to "the high watchtower," while in Hebrew, it means "my lord is light." As with many surnames, the exact origin may vary depending on individual family histories and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Merida

The meaning and origin of the last name Merida

The surname Merida is of Spanish origin, derived from the city Mérida in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. Initially, it was a geographical or occupational name for someone born or living in the ancient Roman city of Emerita Augusta, now known as Mérida. Over time, the name spread across regions inhabited by Spanish speakers, becoming a prominent surname in countries such as Mexico and the United States due to historical colonization. It is also found in other parts of the world where Spanish-speaking populations settled. Variations of the name include Méndez de Mérida, Mérida y Pérez, or simply Mérida. In contemporary society, the Merida surname continues to be a common name among descendants of Spanish heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Merida

The surname Merida is predominantly distributed in Spain and Mexico, with significant concentrations found in both countries. In Spain, it originates from the region of Extremadura, particularly in the province of Badajoz where it is one of the most common last names. In Mexico, the name has a strong presence in the state of Yucatan, as well as in other regions such as Quintana Roo and Campeche. The geographical distribution suggests that the name may have originated from the city of Mérida in Spain or Mexico, which could explain its prevalence in those areas. The spread of the surname Merida to other parts of the world is primarily due to immigration, with a notable presence in the United States, particularly among the Mexican-American community.

Variants and spellings of the last name Merida

The surname Merida can be found with various spellings and slight variations across different regions and genealogical records. Some common variants include Mérida, which is the Spanish spelling, Mirida, and Meridah. In English-speaking countries, it may also appear as Meridie or Meridee due to phonetic adaptations. Additionally, there might be regional variations such as de la Mérida, del Mérida, y la Mérida, indicating a connection with a specific place in Spain called Mérida, which is a city in the province of Badajoz, Extremadura. It's essential to understand that surnames can evolve over time due to cultural influences, migration, and transcribing errors. Therefore, the spelling may vary depending on historical context and personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Merida

Pablo Oscár Merida y Merida, born in 1844, was a Spanish painter and printmaker known for his lithographs of contemporary life in Madrid during the late 19th century. His works were characterized by a naturalistic style that captured the vibrancy and energy of urban settings. Another notable figure with the surname Merida is Ernesto de la Merced Merida, a Mexican engineer and architect born in 1876. He is best known for designing the iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, which serves as a national symbol and a center for art and culture in Mexico. Furthermore, Carlos Castañeda Merida was a renowned anthropologist and author, born in 1925 in Puebla, Mexico. He is famous for his works exploring the traditional shamanism of the indigenous peoples of North America, particularly the Yaqui and the Huichol.

Genealogical research on the last name Merida

The surname Merida has origins that can be traced back to several regions, primarily Spain and Mexico. In Spain, the name Merida is thought to have derived from the city of Mérida, located in the autonomous community of Extremadura. This city was an important Roman settlement known as Emerita Augusta. The surname subsequently spread throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

In Mexico, the last name Merida originates from the city of Mérida, Yucatan, which was founded by the Spanish in 1542. Over time, the surname has been carried by numerous families across the country.

The family trees of Merida descendants are rich and diverse, with branches reaching into various professions, cultures, and geographical locations worldwide. Notable individuals bearing the name include Juan Pablo de Merida y Topete, a Spanish-Mexican colonial official, and Adolfo Merida, a Mexican journalist and politician.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Merida"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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