Last Name Quiroz

The surname Quiroz is of Spanish origin, specifically from Castilian Spain. It is a variant of the original surname Quirós, which comes from the given name "Quirico" or "Quirino," both derived from the Roman family name Quirinius. These names were based on Quirinus, a god in ancient Roman religion who was an amalgamation of the Sabine deity Oquereus and Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. The surname Quiroz spread throughout Spain during the Middle Ages as a result of migration patterns and Christianization of various regions. Later, it was brought to the Americas by Spanish explorers and settlers in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Quiroz

The meaning and origin of the last name Quiroz

The surname Quiroz is of Spanish origin, commonly found among Hispanic populations. It derives from the Old Spanish personal name "Quiroga," which was a form of the name Quiricus, derived from the Roman family name Quirinius. The name Quirinus was associated with the god Jupiter in ancient Rome and was considered a respectable and noble name.

During the Middle Ages, Spanish naming customs underwent significant changes when the Catholic Church encouraged the use of patronymic surnames, which were names that denoted the father's occupation or personal characteristics. The surname Quiroz may have originated from someone who was known by the name Quiricus, and over time, this name evolved into a hereditary surname.

Today, the surname Quiroz is widely distributed in Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the United States, particularly among people of Mexican heritage. Variations of the name include Kioros, Quirós, and others due to differences in spelling arising from regional dialects and recording methods.

Geographical distribution of the last name Quiroz

The surname Quiroz is predominantly found in Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Guatemala, due to its Spanish origin. It is also common in other Spanish-speaking nations like Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. In the United States, a significant number of people with the last name Quiroz originate from these regions, with high concentrations in states with large Hispanic populations such as California, Texas, Florida, and New Mexico. Additionally, smaller communities can be found in countries with historical ties to Spain, such as the Philippines, where the name has been adopted due to Spanish influences. The surname Quiroz is relatively less common in other parts of the world, but its distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of Spanish speakers, particularly from Latin America.

Variants and spellings of the last name Quiroz

The surname Quiroz has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some of these include:

1. Quirós: This is the original Spanish spelling, which originates from the medieval personal name Quirico. It means "of Cyrene" or "born in Cyrene."
2. Quiroz: A variation of Quirós, with an extra 'z' at the end.
3. Kihurz: An English spelling variation.
4. Kiros: Another English spelling variant.
5. Kiyro: A phonetic variation of the Spanish pronunciation.
6. Keerus: Yet another variation, likely resulting from misspellings or different regional dialects.
7. Kyrioz: A less common alternative spelling.
8. Cihurz: A possible misspelling or variant.
9. Keyros: Another uncommon variation of the name.

It is important to note that while these variations and spellings exist, they may cause some confusion in genealogical research or official documentation. Correcting misspellings and standardizing the surname can help mitigate such issues.

Famous people with the last name Quiroz

Notable individuals with the surname Quiroz include:

1. Jorge Quiroz (born 1964), a Mexican professional boxer who held multiple world titles.
2. Luis Quiroz (born 1983), an Ecuadorian tennis player who has won several ATP Challenger titles.
3. Maritza Quiroz (born 1972), a former Cuban volleyball player, member of the Cuban national team for over a decade, and an Olympic medalist in 1996.
4. Pablo Quiroz (born 1980), a Mexican actor best known for his roles in various telenovelas and movies.
5. Carlos Quiroz (born 1952), a Mexican football coach who led the Iranian national team to their first World Cup appearance in 1978 and managed various other teams worldwide.
6. Humberto González Quiroz (1930-2016), a Mexican writer and journalist known for his works on the Mexican Revolution and its protagonists.

Genealogical research on the last name Quiroz

The surname Quiroz is of Spanish origin, derived from the occupational name "quijada," meaning "jaw" or "mandible." It could have been used for someone who worked in a related profession such as a blacksmith or a dentist. The Quiros family, spelled slightly differently but etymologically related, was one of the oldest and most prominent noble families in Spain, originating from the Asturias region. This lineage traces back to Pelayo, who led the Asturian rebellion against the Umayyad Emirs of Cordoba during the 8th century. The Quiroz surname is commonly found in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries due to migration patterns from Spain during colonial times. Notable individuals with the last name Quiroz include Juan Nepomuceno Quiroz, a Mexican politician and reformer; and Luis Enrique Quiroz, an Ecuadorian professional footballer.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Quiroz"
• 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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