Last Name Zayas

The surname Zayas has Spanish origins, derived from the Arabic name Sa'id (meaning fortunate or happy) which was brought to Spain by the Moors during their occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Over time, it was Hispanicized into its current form and became a common surname among the Spanish-speaking population in both Spain and its colonies, including Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zayas

The meaning and origin of the last name Zayas

The surname Zayas is of Spanish origin, specifically from the Iberian Peninsula where it was first used during the Middle Ages. It derives from the Arabic word "sais" or "az-Zāy," meaning olive tree, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Over time, this name was adopted by various families who were granted lands with abundant olive groves or settled in areas where such trees were prevalent. As a result of colonial expansion, the surname Zayas spread to the New World, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Notable individuals bearing the surname include José Francisco Zayas Bazán, a prominent Cuban political figure, and Pedro Zayas, a Spanish explorer who participated in Christopher Columbus's second voyage to the Americas. Today, the surname Zayas can be found among various communities that have ties to Spain and its colonies.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zayas

The surname Zayas has a significant presence across several regions, with notable concentrations in Cuba and Puerto Rico due to their Spanish heritage. In Cuba, it is among the most common surnames, particularly in the western provinces like La Habana, Pinar del Río, and Artemisa. In Puerto Rico, it ranks highly as well, especially in the central-western region including Mayagüez, San Juan, and Arecibo. The name also appears frequently in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, where it is thought to have originated. Beyond these areas, Zayas can be found in other Spanish-speaking countries, as well as among the Hispanic diaspora communities in the United States, predominantly in Florida and New York. The dispersal of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and the cultural influence of Spain throughout Latin America and beyond.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zayas

The surname Zayas has various spelling and pronunciation variations across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include: de Zayas, Del Zayas, Zayaas, Zayaz, and Zaizai. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is typically pronounced as "Tha-yas" with a soft 'th' sound. The name may also be found in its French or Italian form, such as de la Zaye or del la Ziaia, due to historical immigration patterns. Additionally, it can be transliterated from other languages like Arabic (Zayyat) and Hebrew (Zayah), reflecting the diverse origins of this surname. The name originates from a place named Zayas in Spain, but it has been carried across continents through migration, resulting in numerous variations and pronunciations.

Famous people with the last name Zayas

The Zayas surname has been associated with prominent figures across various fields. In entertainment, Carmen Zapata Zayas (1927-2018), an American actress, was known for her roles on Broadway and in films such as "West Side Story" and "Midnight Cowboy." Meanwhile, Pedro Albizu Campos Zayas (1891-1965) was a significant figure in Puerto Rican politics and nationalism. As the president of the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico, he advocated for the island's independence from the United States. In sports, Carlos Beltrán Zayas (born 1977), a Puerto Rican professional baseball player, has had an illustrious career, playing for teams such as the New York Mets and Houston Astros. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Zayas surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zayas

The surname Zayas originates from the Iberian Peninsula, specifically Spain. It is derived from the Arabic word "saiyid" or "sayyid," which means 'noble' or 'lord.' The name became common among the Moorish conquerors of Andalusia in the Middle Ages. Upon the Christian Reconquista, some descendants of these conquerors adopted the surname Zayas.

Notable figures with the last name Zayas include Juan Ponce de León Zayas (1460-1521), a conquistador and the first European to set foot on Florida; Antonio de Zayas y Sotomayor (1739-1816), a Spanish military officer who fought in the War of American Independence; and Rafael Zayas Bazán (1858-1920), the first President of Cuba from 1909 to 1913. The name is also prevalent among the Puerto Rican population, where it ranks as one of the top 100 most common surnames.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zayas"
• 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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