Last Name Reyes

The surname "Reyes" is of Spanish origin. It translates to "kings" in English. This surname was often given to descendants of royalty, or in some cases, to individuals who held a position of power and influence. In Spain, the use of hereditary surnames became widespread during the Middle Ages as a way to differentiate between people with similar first names. The name "Reyes" is still common in Spanish-speaking countries today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Reyes

The meaning and origin of the last name Reyes

The surname Reyes originates from Spain, specifically from the Basque region and the province of Galicia. It is derived from the Spanish word "rey," which means "king" in English. Historically, this name was often given to individuals who were born into noble families or to those who held high positions within the church or government, as a mark of respect or recognition of their status. Over time, the surname Reyes spread throughout Spain and its colonies, including Latin America, where it remains relatively common today. It is also found in other parts of the world due to Spanish immigration and colonization. The surname has produced notable figures in various fields, such as Juan Pablo II (Pope), Juan Reyes, a Spanish Renaissance architect, and Jose Rizal, a Filipino national hero.

Geographical distribution of the last name Reyes

The surname Reyes (which means "kings" in Spanish) is predominantly distributed across Spain and several Latin American countries due to their historical links. In Spain, Galicia, Canary Islands, and Extremadura regions exhibit the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name. Within Latin America, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile have a significant number of people named Reyes. Additionally, the name is also found in the United States, particularly among populations with roots in these Spanish-speaking regions. The spread of the surname Reyes reflects historical migration patterns and cultural ties between Spain and its former colonies.

Variants and spellings of the last name Reyes

The surname Reyes has several variations and spellings across different countries and regions. In English, it is commonly spelled as "Reyes," which means "kings" in Spanish. However, other possible English spellings include Rayess, Rayeys, Rayaze, Raiyez, Reiyes, or Raiyz.

In Portuguese, it is spelled as "Reis," but the English transliteration could be Reizes or Rayzees. In some parts of Latin America, particularly in Brazil, the name can also be written as Reyss or Rayss.

In French, it may be translated as Rois or Royez. The Catalan equivalent is Reis or Raiys. In Italian, it could be Rei or Rai. In German, it might be spelled as Reiis, Raeys, or Rayess. These variations reflect the diverse origins and historical influences that have shaped family names over time.

Famous people with the last name Reyes

Notable individuals bearing the surname Reyes include Pedro Reyes (1972-), a Mexican artist known for his innovative and thought-provoking works that explore social and political issues; Carlos Reyes (1926-2014), a Mexican professional baseball player who played for several Major League Baseball teams during his career, including the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants; Ednita Nazareth Reyes (1973-), also known as Ednita Nazareth or simply Ednita, a popular Brazilian singer, actress, and presenter who has released numerous albums and starred in various television shows; Juan Bernal Reyes (1890-1954), a Mexican painter best known for his murals in public buildings, particularly those depicting Mexican history and culture; and Jorge Reyes (1973-), a former Chilean footballer who played as a midfielder for clubs such as Colo-Colo and Internazionale, and for the Chilean national team.

Genealogical research on the last name Reyes

The surname Reyes (meaning "kings" in Spanish) has a rich history and is found predominantly among Hispanic populations, particularly in Spain, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and other Spanish-speaking countries. It is one of the most common surnames in Latin America, ranking among the top 10 in several nations. The Reyes family tree can be traced back to the medieval era in Spain, where it was often bestowed upon high-ranking members of the royal court or nobility. During the Spanish colonial period, many bearers of the name emigrated to the New World, contributing significantly to the cultural and societal development of Latin America. In contemporary times, the Reyes lineage remains vibrant and diverse, with numerous branches worldwide. The name's popularity is a testament to its historical significance and the enduring influence of Spanish culture in the global community.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Reyes"
• 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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