Last Name Perez

The surname Perez has originated from Spain. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name Pedro, which means "Peter" in English. The suffix "-ez" is a common patronymic ending in Spanish, indicating "son of" or "descendant of." Therefore, Perez can be translated to "son of Pedro" or "descendant of Pedro." The name Pedro itself has Old Spanish and Latin roots and was a popular given name in Christian families during the medieval period. As a result, Perez became a widespread and common surname in the Spanish-speaking world.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Perez

The meaning and origin of the last name Perez

The surname Perez is of Spanish origin and holds great significance in Hispanic cultures. It is derived from the name Pedro, which means "rock" or "stone" in Spanish. The surname was initially used as a patronymic, indicating that the bearer was the son of someone named Pedro. Over time, individuals with the name Perez became more numerous, and it eventually transformed into a hereditary surname. The name Perez has deep historical roots, with records of its existence dating back to medieval times. During the Middle Ages, the surname was common among Sephardic Jews living in Spain, who adopted it after their forced conversion to Christianity. Many Jews selected biblical or biblical-sounding surnames, such as Perez, to maintain their cultural and religious identity in secret. Today, the surname Perez is prevalent worldwide, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries. It symbolizes strength, stability, and resilience, traits associated with the rock or stone metaphor.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perez

The last name Perez is one of the most common surnames in the world, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries. Its geographical distribution is mainly concentrated in Spain, as it is of Spanish origin. Within Spain, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Perez can be found in the regions of Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria. However, the surname has spread beyond Spain, primarily due to historical migrations and colonization. Many individuals with the last name Perez can be found in countries across Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Peru, where they constitute a significant portion of the population. The global diaspora of the Perez surname extends further, encompassing various other countries such as the United States, where it is common among Hispanic communities, as well as the Philippines, where Spanish influence remains present. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Perez reflects the historical and cultural ties between Spain and its former colonies, as well as the global migration patterns of Spanish-speaking populations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perez

The last name Perez, originally of Spanish origin, has several variations and spellings across different parts of the world. Some common variations include Perez, Pérez, Peres, and Peréz. These different spellings often reflect regional and cultural influences. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the most common spelling is Perez, which is the anglicized version of the name. However, in Spain, the original spelling is often Pérez, with an accent mark over the "e." In certain regions of Latin America, such as Mexico and Colombia, the name may be spelled Peres or Peréz. These variations might stem from the pronunciation differences within different Spanish dialects. In some cases, families may have adopted unique spellings to distinguish themselves from others with the same last name. Despite these different variations, the last name Perez in all its forms continues to be widely used and recognized, reflecting the diverse dispersion and influence of Hispanic culture around the world.

Famous people with the last name Perez

Some famous people with the last name Perez include Jennifer Lopez, a renowned American actress, singer, and dancer known for her successful music career and acting roles in films such as "Selena" and "Maid in Manhattan." Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., is an influential American blogger and media personality, recognized for his celebrity gossip website. Rosie Perez, an American actress, choreographer, and activist, is known for her memorable roles in films like "Do the Right Thing" and "White Men Can't Jump." Aitor Karanka Perez, a retired Spanish footballer, achieved success as a central defender at Real Madrid and later became a well-known football manager after being an assistant coach under Jose Mourinho. These individuals, among others, have made significant contributions to their respective industries and have achieved recognition and fame using the last name Perez.

Genealogical research on the last name Perez

The surname Perez is commonly of Spanish origin and is derived from the given name Pero, a variant of Pedro, meaning "rock" or "stone" in Latin. The name Perez has a rich genealogical history, beginning with its Jewish roots. During the Spanish Inquisition in the 15th century, many Jewish individuals were forced to convert to Christianity, and subsequently adopted surnames such as Perez to conceal their Jewish heritage. As a result, the name is prevalent in Sephardic Jewish communities across the globe. Over time, the surname spread beyond the Jewish population and is now found in various Spanish-speaking countries, including Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, individuals with the surname Perez have immigrated to other regions, such as the United States, where the name is one of the most common Hispanic surnames. The Perez name carries a diverse and extensive genealogical legacy deeply rooted in history and migration patterns.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Perez"
• 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 April 2025

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