Last Name Poza

The surname Poza is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a small enclosed area or an open space, as the word "poza" means "small pool," "puddle," or "pond" in Spanish. However, it could also be derived from a nickname for a person with a pockmarked face, as "poza" can also mean "pit" or "hole."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Poza

The meaning and origin of the last name Poza

The surname Poza is of Spanish origin, derived from topographical or geographical locations. It is likely that individuals with this surname originally lived near a small enclosed area, such as a courtyard (Spanish: "pozo"). The name may also be associated with the word "posa," which means "a place to lay" or "resting place." Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down from generation to generation. The Poza surname can be found throughout Spain and Latin America, reflecting the historical migration patterns of Spanish-speaking populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Poza

The surname Poza has a predominant presence in Spain, particularly in the regions of Castile-Leon, Extremadura, and Andalusia, indicating its potential roots in these areas. It is also notably present in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Puerto Rico due to historical migrations from Spain. In Mexico, the state of Puebla stands out as having a significant number of individuals with the last name Poza. The name is less common but can be found in other parts of the world where Spanish immigrants have settled, such as the United States and other countries in Central and South America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Poza

The surname Poza has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common spelling variations include Posa, Pauza, Pousa, Pozoa, Pouza, and even Pousah. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, transcription errors, or regional dialects. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, the name Poza is often spelled without an accent, while in Portuguese-speaking countries it might be spelled Pousa. In some cases, the name can also be found with a silent "s" at the end, such as Poza or Posa, depending on local naming customs and historical influences.

Famous people with the last name Poza

Notable individuals with the surname Poza include:

1. Juan Pablo Posada (born 1983), a Mexican professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for clubs such as Cruz Azul and Atlas.
2. Elina Požar (born 1954), a Slovenian-American artist known for her abstract expressionist paintings and installations.
3. Carlos Posada (born 1966), a Mexican comic book author who has created popular series like "El Aguila" and "Memin Pinguín."
4. Juan Gabriel Poza (1865-1902), a Mexican general who participated in the Mexican Revolution, leading the Constitutionalist Army during the Battle of Celaya.
5. Javier Pozas (born 1973), a Spanish footballer who played as a goalkeeper for teams such as Real Betis and Deportivo La Coruña.
6. Adriana Poza (born 1981), a Mexican actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Universe Mexico in 2003.
7. Rigoberto Poza (born 1959), a Guatemalan poet and literary critic known for his works "El espejo de los andes" and "Escenas del desencuentro."

These individuals, hailing from various countries and fields of expertise, have made significant contributions to their respective domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Poza

The surname Poza originates from Spain and is predominantly found in various regions such as Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Andalusia. Historically, it has been associated with the occupation of blacksmiths or smithies, derived from the Old Castilian word "fueryo de pozos," which means forge of pits. The name is also believed to be a habitational surname, referring to places named Pozo in various parts of Spain. Notable figures bearing this last name include Spanish footballer Jorge da Silva Poza and Argentine lawyer and politician Enrique Poza. Genealogical research suggests that the Poza lineage can be traced back to medieval Spain, with a significant migration occurring during the 15th and 16th centuries due to religious conflicts and economic pressures. The Poza family tree demonstrates a rich heritage rooted in Spain, but also exhibits dispersal across Europe and the Americas as a result of diaspora events throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Poza"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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