Last Name Reina

The surname "Reina" has origins in several countries and languages. In Spanish, it means "queen," derived from the Latin word regina. It is a common surname in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. In Italian, "Reina" can also mean "queen." It can be a variant of the name Regina or Regine, which are Italian feminine names. In this context, it is also found among Italian families. The surname may have been adopted as an occupational name for a female ruler or someone who served in the court of a queen. Alternatively, it could have originated from a place named Reina, which might exist in various locations in Spain and Italy. As with many surnames, its exact origin can often be traced back to specific individuals or events, but this information is not always easily available due to historical record limitations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reina

The meaning and origin of the last name Reina

The surname "Reina" is of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin word "regina," which means queen. It was often given to daughters of noble families or those born into royal households in Spain, reflecting their social status and lineage. Over time, as surnames became more common and widespread throughout Spain, the name "Reina" came to be shared by individuals across various social classes. Today, it is a popular surname within the Spanish-speaking world and can be found among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, both in Spain and other countries with significant Spanish influences, such as Latin America.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reina

The surname Reina is predominantly distributed across Spanish and Portuguese-speaking regions, with the highest concentration in Spain, particularly in the autonomous communities of Andalusia and Valencia. In Portugal, it is also relatively common, especially in the northern regions like Aveiro and Porto. Smaller numbers of people with the surname Reina can be found in Latin American countries with significant Spanish or Portuguese populations, such as Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Reina reside in other parts of the world where there are sizeable communities of Spanish and Portuguese immigrants, including the United States, Canada, and various countries in Europe. It's important to note that the distribution of the surname Reina reflects historical migration patterns and cultural connections between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reina

The surname Reina has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. The most common versions include: Reyna, Reyna, Rayna, Reyne, Reigna, Raina, Reynea, and Raíña. Each of these variants originates from the Spanish and Portuguese feminine form of "rey," which means king in English. Other forms may arise due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, or transcription errors over time. It is essential to note that surnames can evolve and change as families migrate, naturalize, or assimilate into new cultures. The correct spelling of a particular Reina variant may depend on the family's origin or history.

Famous people with the last name Reina

Notable individuals bearing the surname Reina include Victor Manuel Reyes Reina, also known as El Ciclope, a Mexican professional wrestler who is widely recognized for his work in Lucha Libre. Another prominent figure is Pepe Reina, a Spanish football goalkeeper who played for Liverpool Football Club and represented the Spain national team. Known for his strong performances and leadership skills, Reina was awarded the Premier League Golden Glove award twice during his tenure with Liverpool. In the world of music, Carlos Reina is a notable flamenco guitarist from Madrid, Spain, who has collaborated with numerous artists and released several albums. Additionally, Maria Reina is an American singer-songwriter, best known for her work in the Christian music industry, having released multiple albums and earning recognition for her soulful voice and thoughtful lyrics.

Genealogical research on the last name Reina

The surname Reina has Spanish origins, derived from the Arabic "al-reiy," meaning "the king." It first appeared in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages when Moors ruled a large part of Spain and Portugal. Over time, as Christian rule reclaimed territory, many Spanish families adopted Arabic names, either voluntarily or by royal decree. The Reina family can be traced back to the Kingdom of Castile in northern Spain, with early records dating back to the 14th century. Notable members of this family include King Felipe VI of Spain, who bears the title of Rey (King) in his surname. The Reina lineage has spread across Spain and beyond its borders, with a significant presence in Latin America due to the Spanish colonization and migration.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reina"
• 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 June 2025

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