Last Name Perez

The surname Perez is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name Pedro or Peter, which was a popular name among Christians during the Middle Ages. In Spain and Portugal, as with many other European countries, the custom of adopting patronymic surnames became widespread in the Late Middle Ages to early modern period. The "Perez" surname is an example of such patronymics, meaning "son of Pedro." It is one of the most common Spanish surnames, along with García, Gómez, Fernández, and Rodríguez.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Perez

The surname Perez is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the given name Pedro, which means "rock" or "stone" in English. It was often used as a nickname for someone with a strong character, similar to the symbolic strength associated with a rock. Over time, this personal name evolved into a surname, signifying that an individual or their ancestors were named Pedro. The Perez surname is widespread throughout Spain and Portugal due to its commonness among Christian populations during the Middle Ages. As many Spanish and Portuguese people emigrated over the centuries, the Perez surname became prevalent in other parts of the world, such as Latin America, the United States, and other regions with significant Spanish or Portuguese influences. Today, it remains one of the most common surnames worldwide, reflecting its ancient roots and widespread dispersal over time.

Geographical distribution of the last name Perez

The surname Perez is one of the most common in Spanish-speaking countries due to its origin from the given name Pedro, which means "rock" or "stone" in English. Its geographical distribution reflects this historical and linguistic connection. The highest concentrations of people with the last name Perez are found predominantly in Spain, where it is the third most common surname, and in Latin American countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, and Argentina. In these regions, Perez is often used interchangeably with the given name Pedro, indicating a strong familial tradition. Outside of Spanish-speaking territories, the last name Perez can be found in Portuguese-speaking Brazil due to historical colonial ties. The name also appears sporadically in other countries with significant Spanish or Portuguese immigration.

Variants and spellings of the last name Perez

The surname Perez is of Spanish origin and has various spelling and pronunciation variants. Some common variations include: Pérez (the most traditional Spanish spelling), Peréz, Pèrez, Perez de la Cruz (with an additional family name), Pérez-Roldán (indicating a combination with another surname), or Perrez. The name is derived from the Latin "petrus" meaning rock or stone, reflecting its widespread distribution among populations of Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. It may also be anglicized to Perez, Peretz, or Peress in English-speaking countries. Additionally, there might be regional differences in pronunciation, such as Per-th-es (with a silent 'e' at the end) or Peh-res (with a hard 'c' sound).

Famous people with the last name Perez

Amongst individuals sharing the surname Perez, several notable figures have emerged across various domains. In entertainment, Jennifer Lopez, also known as "J-Lo," and Martin Sheen are highly recognized. Born in the Bronx, New York, Lopez is an accomplished singer, actress, dancer, and businesswoman who has been a cultural icon since the 1990s. Meanwhile, Martin Sheen, born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez, is an Emmy-winning actor best known for his roles in "The West Wing" and "Apocalypse Now."

In the world of sports, Yuriyanne Perez, a Puerto Rican professional boxer, has held multiple world titles. In academia, Marta Perez de Arce y Cajigal, known as Madre Marta, was a Mexican scholar who played a significant role in preserving indigenous languages and cultures during the 19th century. Additionally, Pablo Picasso's first wife, Olga Khokhlova, was born as Maria Olga W ward, later adopting Perez as her surname, signifying her marriage to the renowned artist.

Genealogical research on the last name Perez

The surname Perez originates from the Iberian Peninsula, particularly Spain and Portugal, where it is one of the most common surnames. It derives from the given name Pedro or Peter, which was extremely popular during the Middle Ages. The name spread throughout Europe during the Moorish invasions, particularly in the regions now known as Spain and Portugal, due to the high prevalence of the name among Christian populations. In genealogical records, variations such as Perez de Ayala, Pereira, or Peres may be encountered, reflecting regional dialects and historical influences. The distribution of the Perez surname extends beyond the Iberian Peninsula to Latin America, where it was carried by Spanish and Portuguese colonists in the 15th-19th centuries. Today, Perez can be found across the globe, particularly among populations with Spanish or Portuguese heritage.

Last name distribution maps

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 : 14 June 2025

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