Last Name Pozos

The surname Pozos is of Spanish origin. It is derived from a place name or occupational name. In Spain, "Pozo" means "well" in English, and it was likely used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a well or an occupational name for a digger or a worker at a well. Over time, the spelling of the surname Pozos may have evolved due to various factors such as linguistic changes, transcription errors, or migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pozos

The meaning and origin of the last name Pozos

The surname Pozos is of Spanish origin, derived from the Old Castilian word "pozo," which means "well" or "pit." It is likely that this surname was originally occupational, given to individuals who worked with wells, such as diggers, maintainers, or even owners. Alternatively, it could have been topographic, referring to a location where there were wells or pits. The name Pozos can also be found in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, suggesting that it may have been brought to the Americas by early Spanish settlers. Today, Pozos is a relatively common surname in Spain and Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pozos

The surname Pozos is predominantly found in Spain and Mexico, indicating its potential origins from these regions. In Spain, it is most common in the northern autonomous community of Cantabria, particularly in the municipalities of Santander, Torrelavega, and Camargo. This could be due to historical factors as Cantabria was once home to the Celtic tribe of the Cantabrians, who may have influenced the region's naming patterns.

In Mexico, Pozos is distributed across various states, with a significant concentration in the central state of San Luis Potosí, likely due to historical migration from Cantabria or because of similarities between indigenous and European surname traditions. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other Mexican states such as Nuevo León, Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Veracruz. Overall, the distribution suggests a dual origin for the Pozos surname, likely stemming from Spain and potentially influencing its spread within Mexico.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pozos

The surname Pozos has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include: Pozo, Pozo, Pozos-Rosales, and De Pozos. In some cases, the surname may also be hyphenated or combined with another surname such as Pozos-Villanueva or Gonzalez-Pozos. The name Pozos is believed to originate from Spain, specifically in the region of Castile and León where it is a toponymic surname derived from the word 'pozo' which means 'well' in Spanish. Over time, the spelling may have evolved due to various factors including regional dialects, immigration, and transcription errors.

Famous people with the last name Pozos

Notable individuals with the surname Pozos include:

1. Manuel Pozos (born 1974), a Mexican film director and screenwriter, known for films such as "La maldición de la primera luz" and "Los herederos."
2. José Pozos (1865-1931), a Spanish painter from the Generation of 1898, known for his landscapes and rural scenes.
3. Carlos Pozos (born 1947), a Mexican lawyer and politician who served as the Governor of Morelos between 2006 and 2012.
4. Diego Pozo (born 1992), an Argentine footballer who currently plays for Racing Club de Avellaneda.
5. Luis Pozos Galvez (1835-1906), a Spanish general who played a key role in the Cuban Wars of Independence and was later Governor General of Cuba from 1879 to 1884.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, including film, art, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Pozos

The surname Pozos has roots in Spain, originating from the Castile and León region, specifically within the provinces of Palencia and Zamora. Early records trace its origin to the 16th century, with one of the earliest known bearers being Diego Gómez de Pozos in the 1540s. The name is believed to be a habitation name derived from the location named Pozos, which can be found in several places within Spain. As migratory patterns increased during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Pozos descendants emigrated to Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina, and Cuba, leading to a significant dispersion of the surname across these regions. In more recent times, Pozos family members can also be found in various parts of the United States and Canada, reflecting continued migration trends.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pozos"
• 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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