Last Name Monroy

The surname Monroy is of Spanish origin. It comes from the medieval practice of using occupational names, and is derived from the Old Spanish word "monje," which means monk. This surname may have been used to identify someone who was a monk or lived near a monastery. The name has also been found in Portugal with similar origins.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Monroy

The meaning and origin of the last name Monroy

The surname Monroy is of Spanish origin, deriving from the medieval occupational name "monje" (monk) or the place name "Monroy," located in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain. Over time, it evolved into various forms such as Monroi, Monroig, and Monrojo. In the Middle Ages, it was common for people to take their occupations as their surnames, reflecting their profession or trade, while place names were adopted by those who lived near or originated from a particular location. The name Monroy may have originally referred to someone associated with a monastic settlement or someone who held the position of a monk within a religious order.

Geographical distribution of the last name Monroy

The surname Monroy is predominantly found in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly Spain and various Latin American nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Guatemala. It is also present in the United States and other countries with significant Spanish-American populations. According to data from FamilyEducation.com, the name Monroy ranks among the top 100 most common surnames in Mexico and Peru. The distribution of this last name reflects historical migration patterns, as well as the widespread influence of Spanish culture in these regions. It is also found in smaller numbers in Portugal due to its similarity with the Portuguese word for "monarch" (Monarca).

Variants and spellings of the last name Monroy

The surname Monroy has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some of these include: Monroe, Monroi, Monroig, Monroyo, Monroye, Monra, Monrai, Monro, Monray, Monroh, and Mornoy. These spelling differences often arise from the phonetic interpretation of the name in various languages or regions, with some variations influenced by local conventions for spelling or pronunciation. Additionally, over time, some individuals may alter the spelling of their last names due to factors such as assimilation, personal preference, or errors in record keeping. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these surnames can trace their origins to the Basque region of Spain, where the name Monroy is derived from the location of Monte-Roi (King's Mountain).

Famous people with the last name Monroy

Notable individuals bearing the surname Monroy include:

1. Daniela Monroy (born 1973), a Colombian actress who starred in popular telenovelas like "La Casa en la Playa" and "Corazones al límite."
2. José Manuel Monroy (born 1964), a Mexican professional footballer who played for clubs such as Santos Laguna and Atlético Madrid, earning the nickname "El Pibe."
3. Ana Monroy (born 1987), a Mexican actress best known for her roles in the TV series "El Juego de las Llaves" and "La rosa de Guadalupe."
4. Pedro Monroy (born 1950), a prominent Mexican architect who has worked on various public works, including libraries, museums, and educational institutions.
5. Maria Eugenia Monroy Gomez (born 1960), a Colombian journalist, editor, and politician who served as Minister of Information Technology and Communications under President Juan Manuel Santos.
6. Eduardo Monroy Bermúdez (1923-2014), a Mexican physician and microbiologist who made significant contributions to the understanding and control of infectious diseases in Mexico.
7. Carlos Monroy (born 1985), a Colombian professional footballer, currently playing for the club Independiente Santa Fe in the Categoría Primera A league.

These individuals hail from different professions, yet they all share the same last name and have made notable contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Monroy

The surname Monroy originates from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal, where it is believed to have derived from the medieval occupation of "monroy" or "monarque," meaning monarch or ruler. The name spread throughout Europe during the Middle Ages as a result of the Reconquista in Spain and subsequent migrations. In the New World, the Monroy surname can be traced back to early Spanish explorers who settled in South America, particularly in modern-day Mexico and Peru. Notable figures with this surname include Antonio de Monroy y Salamanca, a Spanish conquistador of the 16th century, and Pedro Monroy, a Mexican politician and former Governor of Tabasco. The Monroy family tree exhibits a wide distribution across multiple countries in Europe and America, with a significant concentration in Spain, Mexico, and Peru.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Monroy"
• 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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