CRUZ

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Cruz

Cruz is a British surname of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the Latin word "crux" meaning "cross". The surname is commonly found in areas with a historical connection to Spain and Portugal, such as Gibraltar and parts of London with a significant Portuguese community.

The Cruz surname is believed to have originated as a religious surname, denoting a person who lived near a cross, or who carried a cross in religious processions. The symbolic significance of the cross in Christianity has contributed to the widespread adoption of the name Cruz among families of Spanish and Portuguese descent.

Individuals bearing the surname Cruz have made notable contributions in various fields, including art, literature, music, and sports. The surname has also been popularised through celebrities such as British actress Penélope Cruz, who has brought recognition to the name through her success in the film industry.

As with many surnames, Cruz has undergone variations in spelling over time, including de la Cruz or Dela Cruz, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped British cultural heritage. Today, the surname Cruz remains a distinctive and evocative marker of British ancestry with Spanish and Portuguese roots.

There are approximately 1,556 people named Cruz in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,203rd most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Cruz.

Origin: Iberian

Region of origin: Europe

Country of origin: Spain

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Spanish

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Antonio
Carlos
Daniel
Eduardo
Joao
John
Jose
Juan
Manuel
Michael
Paulo

Female

Ana
Catia
Diane
Isabel
Jennifer
Maria
Mary
Natalie
Patricia
Rachel
Sandra
Sara
Yoko

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.