Last Name Merino

The surname Merino has its origins in Spain. It is a patronymic name derived from the given name Miero or Meir, which were short forms of the name Amado (meaning "beloved" in Latin). Over time, it evolved into the more common form of Merino. The use of Merino as a surname can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was often given to people who were associated with the Merino de Montes, a royal position that managed the royal flocks of Merino sheep. These sheep were highly prized for their wool, which was fine and soft, making them ideal for producing high-quality textiles. The people associated with these flocks came to be known as "Merinos," and the name eventually became a hereditary surname. Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the Merino surname, including several Spanish military leaders, writers, artists, and politicians. Today, there are large communities of people with the last name Merino throughout Spain, as well as in other countries where Spanish immigrants settled, such as Argentina, Mexico, and the United States.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Merino

The meaning and origin of the last name Merino

The surname Merino is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Occitan word "meri" or "méri," meaning "black sheep." Originally, it was used to identify individuals who owned black sheep, as the color of their flock distinguished them in the agricultural community. Over time, this occupational name evolved into a hereditary surname, becoming prevalent in Spain and regions with Spanish influence. Notably, the Merino family is well-known for developing a fine type of wool called "merino wool," which is still highly valued today due to its softness, warmth, and durability. The Merino surname can be found worldwide, particularly among Hispanic populations, reflecting both their Spanish heritage and the diaspora of Spanish explorers and settlers over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Merino

The surname Merino is predominantly found in Spain, where it originates from the Castilian region and the autonomous community of La Rioja. Historically, it was common among shepherds due to the association with the merino sheep breed, which produced high-quality wool. Over time, the family name spread beyond the Iberian Peninsula, with significant populations in Latin America, particularly in Argentina, Chile, and Mexico, as a result of Spanish colonization. Smaller groups of Merinos can also be found in other countries that have historical ties to Spain, such as France, Italy, and the Philippines. Additionally, immigration from Spain during various periods has contributed to the presence of the Merino surname in North America, Australia, and other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Merino

The surname Merino has several variations and spellings, reflecting its origins and adaptations across different regions. Some common variations include: 1. Mérino: This is the original Spanish spelling, with an acute accent over the "e". 2. Merino: This is the standard English spelling without the accent. 3. de Merino: This is a patronymic form where 'de' is added at the beginning to indicate that the surname was originally a given name of the father or ancestor. 4. Las Merinas: This is a feminine form in Spanish, where the plural definite article 'las' is added. 5. Los Merinos: Similarly, this is a masculine form in Spanish, where the plural indefinite article 'los' is added. 6. Le Mérin: This is a French variation of the surname. 7. De Meeryno: This is a variation found among Eastern European immigrants from Spain, where "e" is replaced with "y" and "n" is replaced with "ny". 8. Merryno: A less common English variant where the final 'o' is replaced with an 'a'.

Famous people with the last name Merino

Notable individuals with the surname Merino include: 1. Juan Pedro Merino Créscencio (born 1968), a Spanish retired footballer who played as a goalkeeper and is best known for his time at Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid. 2. José Merino (1935-2016), a Spanish screenwriter, film director, and producer. He was awarded the Goya Award for Best Director for his film "La Lola se va a los puertos" in 1985. 3. Pedro de Mercado y Merino (1744-1797), a Spanish architect and military engineer who designed numerous churches, bridges, and public buildings, including the Royal Alcazar of Seville. 4. José María Merino Lluch (born 1953), a Spanish politician and member of the People's Party (PP). He served as Minister of Defense from 2004 to 2008 under Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. 5. José de Merino y López de Ulloa (1765-1839), a Spanish military officer and politician who served as the last Viceroy of New Spain (Mexico) from 1828 to 1829, during the Mexican War of Independence. These figures have made significant contributions in various fields, including sports, film, architecture, politics, and military history.

Genealogical research on the last name Merino

The Merino surname, of Spanish origin, is widely distributed across Europe and America, with significant populations in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and the United States. Its roots can be traced back to the medieval period in northern Spain, particularly in regions such as La Rioja, Castile, and Aragon. One notable Merino family from this region was the Merinos de la Fuente, who were vassals of the Kings of Navarre and Castile in the 13th century. The Merino surname is associated with a number of important historical figures, including the philosopher Juan Pablo de Celaya y Merino (1600-1667), the astronomer Francisco José de la Paz y Merino (1754-1816), and the writer Ramón María del Valle-Inclán y Merino (1866-1936). The name has also been borne by a number of notable individuals in other fields, such as politics, business, and sports. The spread of the surname Merino beyond Spain can be attributed to the expulsion of the Moriscos (Muslim converts) from Spain in the late 16th century, as well as to colonial expansion and migration. Today, the Merino name continues to be found among diverse populations around the world, reflecting its rich and varied history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Merino"
• 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

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