Benitez

Benítez is a Spanish-language surname derived from the given name Benito, with the patronymic suffix -ez meaning "son of." The combination yields the meaning "son of Benito." The standard spelling in Spanish includes the acute accent on the i, Benítez; anglicized or diacritic-free forms such as Benitez are common in non-Spanish contexts and in online databases.

The surname is widespread in Spain and across Latin America, reflecting historical patterns of Spanish settlement and migration. It is particularly common in countries with large Spanish-speaking populations, including Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and the Dominican Republic, among others.

Notable people bearing the surname include Rafael Benítez (born 1960), a Spanish football manager. The name is associated with numerous other public figures in sports, politics, and the arts across the Spanish-speaking world.