Last Name Roig

The surname Roig has multiple origins across various countries and cultures. In Spain, it is a common Catalan surname derived from the occupational name for a blacksmith, "el ferrer negre" (the black smith), which was later simplified to Roig, meaning red in Catalan, referring to the color of the hot metal or the rosy complexion of blacksmiths due to their exposure to fire. In other parts of the world, it could have different origins. For example, in Hebrew, "Roi" means king, and in Arabic, it can mean bright red. However, without specific historical context, it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origin for a given individual with the surname Roig.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Roig

The meaning and origin of the last name Roig

The surname Roig is of Spanish origin, derived from the Occitan word "roich," which means "red." This name was often given to individuals with red hair or a red-colored coat of arms. Over time, it has been spelled in various ways including Roig, Ruiz, and Roi, due to phonetic variations and regional dialects. The surname is most prevalent in Catalonia, an autonomous community in eastern Spain where the Occitan language was historically spoken. It is also common among Spanish-speaking populations around the world as a result of migration and colonization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Roig

The last name Roig has a significant presence across Spain, particularly in regions such as Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, where it is one of the most common surnames due to its historical roots. It is also prevalent in other Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Dominican Republic, reflecting the migration patterns of the 15th century when many Catalans moved to the New World. Outside Spain and Latin America, the Roig name can be found among Sephardic Jewish communities who were expelled from Spain in the late 15th century and subsequently dispersed across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. In recent years, the Roig surname has also appeared in countries like the United States and Australia as a result of immigration from these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Roig

The surname Roig has various spelling variations across different regions. Some common variants include:

1. Roij
2. Roi
3. Royg
4. Ruig
5. Ruyg
6. Rohig
7. Roich
8. Roych
9. Roigue
10. Roch
11. Rohigh
12. Roygh
13. Rougy
14. Rogh
15. Rhoy

These variations may arise due to differences in spelling conventions, phonetic translations, and historical changes over time. The original Spanish form of the name is "Roig," which comes from the Catalan term for "red."

Famous people with the last name Roig

Notable individuals with the surname Roig include:

1. Juan Roig Martínez (born 1956), Spanish businessman and CEO of Mercadona, one of the largest supermarket chains in Spain.

2. José Roig López (born 1934), a prominent Catalan writer, poet, essayist, and translator. He has won several awards for his work.

3. Carlos Roig (1920-2006), an Andorran politician who served as the President of the General Council of Andorra from 1978 to 1982.

4. José Antonio Roig (born 1952), a Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper and won several championships with Real Madrid.

5. David Roig (born 1960), a Mexican film director, producer, and screenwriter known for his work in both cinema and television.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as business, literature, politics, sports, and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Roig

The surname Roig is of Catalan origin and is derived from the Occitan word "roi," meaning king. It is a common surname among people who hail from Catalonia, Valencia, and other regions of Spain with ties to the Catalan culture.

The Roig family can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with records indicating that the name was established in Catalonia during the 10th century. The family's early history is intertwined with the region's feudal system and the Church. Notable members of the Roig family include the Cardinal-Bishop of Palma, Bernat Roig, who served in the late 14th century, and Pere Roig, a renowned Valencian poet from the Golden Age of Spanish literature.

The Roig surname also spread to other parts of the world due to migrations and colonization. In Puerto Rico, for example, the Roig family is one of the island's oldest and most influential families, with notable members such as Luis Muñoz Marín, who served as governor of Puerto Rico for over two decades in the mid-20th century.

Today, the Roig surname can be found among people in various countries, including Spain, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the United States, reflecting its rich history and diverse origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Roig"
• 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

Share the origin of your last name with your friends